Where I am sometimes.

in more than meets the eye

I’m at the final part of a severe rheumatoid arthritis flare-up.  I only get a few a year, but when they hit it’s simply a matter of surviving from day to day.  That sounds ridiculous and overblown, since I at least know that eventually the pain will fade and I’ll be able to get out of bed and not bite back screams.  The first few days seem like they should be the worst since they’re the most painful, and always end with a trip to the emergency room.  The next few days it hurts less, but you’re so brittle from a lack of sleep and unending pain that you still feel just as miserable.  Your family members and friends understand and care, but after half a week of seeing you hobble around the house and crying in the bathroom even they can get worn out by it all.  Then comes two days of fatigue so intense that you feel drugged.  You want to get up and work and clean and smile, but you find yourself falling asleep at your daughter’s first play, and you have to leave to get back to bed while everyone else celebrates.

Life passes.  Then comes the depression.  The feeling that you’ll never be right again.  The fear that these outbreaks will become more familiar, or worse, never go away.  You’re so tired from fighting that you start to listen to all the little lies your brain tells you.  The ones that say that you’re a drain on your family.  The ones that say that it’s all in your head.  The ones that say that if you were stronger or better this wouldn’t be happening to you.  The ones that say that there’s a reason why your body is trying to kill you, and that you should just stop all the injections and steroids and drugs and therapies.

Today, as Victor drove me home so I could rest, I told him that sometimes I felt like his life would be easier without me.  He paused and said, “It might be easier, but it wouldn’t be better.”

These days are the darkest.  But I know they will pass.  I know that tomorrow things will seem a little brighter.  I know that next week I’ll look back on this post and think, “I should stop listening to my brain when it’s trying to kill me.  Why did I even write that post?”   And that’s precisely why I’m writing this.  Because it’s so easy to forget that I’ve been here before and come out the other side, and perhaps if I have this to read I’ll remember it again next time and it will help me to keep on breathing until the medications take hold and I’m out of the hole again.

Because quitting might be easier, but it wouldn’t be better.

586 thoughts on “Where I am sometimes.”

Read comments below or add one.

  1. you’re right. i love your honesty and transparency in writing this, too. Thinking good thoughts for the lessening of the pain from the flareup, and for emotional endurance. Be gentle with yourself. 🙂

  6. Sometimes I feel so alone in thiese same thoughts. I hate to say i find confort in knowing you struggle with the same thoughts and feelings and pain and exhaustion. But I guess it’s comforting to know that I’m not alone. that others deal with the same crap i do. Thanks for sharing this tonight.

  9. Sending you so very much love. Please don’t underestimate what a force for good you are in this world. It is so much better because you are here.

  12. My sweet precious grandmother suffered from rheumatoid arthritis her entire life. It truly is a challenge to feel that kind of pain and keep a smile on and an optimistic look at the world around you. She was one of those people who made everyone around her feel good, and I think you guys have that in common. Trust in the support from your loved ones and remember that you are always loved. <3

  14. Wow. I’ve seriously got tears in my eyes just reading this. I wish I could take your pain away–all of it, or maybe even a tenth–because I wish I could help you. But I’m not omniscient or all-powerful, so I’ll cash in a few of my chips with the Big Guy upstairs and send some healing thoughts your way. Because you? You take my pain away. You make me smile when I feel sad. And that’s pretty fucking powerful.

  15. easy isnt usually better. Anything that has come easily for us has always blown up in a fiery ball of evil, destruction and mayhem and not the fun version of any of those. I recently bought myself a necklace that says ‘life is good’ i wear it on my shittiest of days so I can run my fingers over the engraved letters and remind myself that today might be shitty and tomorrow might be too but overall Life is Good

  17. I’m so sorry to hear of your pain. Take care of yourself and I hope that the respect and affection of your fans fill your sails if only a little bit. Hope tomorrow is bettwr.

  18. I’m sorry you’re so miserable. I don’t understand the pain, but I do understand the depression, and the whole, listening to the lies that your mind tells you.
    Don’t let it win, because the depression and RA don’t deserve to win this fight. 🙂

  20. I’m thinking good thoughts for you.

    The right thing and the easy thing are never the same. It will always be easier to give up, to give in, to be sad. Happiness takes work and dedication. I’m glad to hear that you will keep fighting!

  22. My husband is going through a lengthy process of trying to find out what’s wrong with him. Arthritis? Fibro? Something else? We don’t know, but I can see all of the emotions you explained running through him, yet with no treatment or relief…yet. Thank you for this post, for a glimpse into what he must be feeling. I will share this with him.

  23. Love the column. I have RA too and can really relate to the sentiment “Quitting would be easier but not better.” A good laugh helps and Beyonce the chicken is always good for that.

  24. Oh my. I can’t even begin to imagine how horrific the pain you’re enduring is. And I have no words, that don’t sound meaningless and trite. 🙁

  25. My mom suffers from RA, and sometimes I “accuse” her of pulling the “RA Card”. 😉 That being said, I can see the pain in her eyes. I’m sorry you are going through this. Have you heard about bee stings and how they can “cure” RA? True facts.

  26. I know intimately of what you speak, although my RA is depression/anxiety and addiction, and it does get better, even the dark spots come and go. It does.

    And your last line is particularly poignant to me today, as it’s the first anniversary of my sobriety. Stopping fighting might be easier, but it wouldn’t be better by far.

    You are golden.

  27. Life wouldn’t be better without you. It would be damn unfunny.

    Don’t forget you have all of us on FB & Twitter to remind you why we need you around. If only Beyonce came in pain relief form….

  28. I’ve been there…more often than I care to admit. This post is beautiful because it so succinctly sums up the way life’s blows can do a mind job on you. Thank you for being so eloquent in explaining something I have felt so acutely.

  29. hang in there – i have been going through the RA flare/depression cycle the last month. finally starting to feel back to normal. RA sucks but giving in sucks harder. keeping you in my thoughts.

  31. Good answer Victor! I think you have redeemed yourself for threatening strangle Jenny for buying towels.

  32. Good answer by Victor. You’ll have to give him a hand job in payment when you feel better, and you will feel better 😀

  33. I dont know you, and I dont have RA but I have had to deal with other sometimes life-hindering illness.

    I am so glad victor supports you.

    I hope your physical struggles get a bit easier to handle….meanwhile let me say I deeply appreciate your candor as you share yourself.

  34. It’s hard for me to say how much this touches me. My mom suffers from MS and recently went through a patch that pushed her to her limit. Thankfully, she pushed through, but almost didn’t. I feel your pain. Know you are loved and you have loads of people who you have touched. You are amazing, and i for one am not ready for you to give up.

  36. I love your husband’s response. And my guess is that your penchant for enormous metal chickens and homicidal leperous monkeys is harder for him to take than caring for you when you’re sick. 🙂

    Hoping you’re feeling right again, soon.

  37. Jenny, you are loved. And you are stronger in the moments you feel like you’re failing than when you feel you’re at your best. This world is definitely better with you in it.

  39. Though I don’t have first-hand experience with this, one of my close friends does, and she deals with the very same thing – medications, injections, etc…so I do have some understanding, and appreciate how difficult it is. Just hang in there! Everyone’s rooting for you!

  40. True, “It’ll never get better,” but the treatments will. When my MS started I gave myself shots that made me feel like I had the flu and had a 30% success rate. Fifteen years into my MS, I take pills that have a 60% success rate.

  41. Jenny~ I know it’s tough, my brother has RA. However, please know that there are other women in the world, *me specifically* that rely on your honesty, sarcasm, humor and wit to make it thru each day. On a good day, I am a hot mess, on a bad day, well, you just don’t want to know. Keep your chin up and just do what you do best, torment Victor with Beyonce and Copernicus!

  42. I know so many people that suffer from this. Just be in the moment and know that the people around you, love you.

    It is what it is. There is nothing you can change about it. Sadly. 🙁

    You might inspire and give hope to others in the same situation with your postings. I encourage you to post more of these, as they are from the heart and are in the moment.

    Everyone understands reality, such as it is.

    I hope you recover soon sans guilt! You just do what you can do, when you can do it and go on from there. That’s life, that’s your life and it is what you make it. What you focus on at any one time, is your choice. There’s no harm in focusing in on your reality.

    That being said, I hope you feel better real soon! 🙂

  43. In spite of his problem with towels Victor sounds like a very wise man. I hope you are completely pain free very soon.

  45. You know what’d make you feel better? Not buying towels. Hang in, punkin’.

  46. I know this sounds cheesy, but you’re an inspiration. Reading your blog (and mommyblog and parenting column and sex column and twitter) helps me deal with my depression, and I really can never express to you how much I appreciate you being you. I’m sorry that you’re experiencing so much pain and exhaustion.

    Feel better soon, and maybe someday I’ll get to meet you and we can have wine slushies together. Just because I’m a man doesn’t mean I’m afraid of hanging out in a ladies’ room. WOLVERINES!

  47. I hope you feel your best again soon. You REALLY need to read Robb Wolf’s blog – he helps LOTS of people recover from autoimmune diseases that were thought uncurable. Seriously. You don’t have to live with RA. check him out, what can it hurt?? robbwolf(dot)com

  48. Sometimes I wonder why my husband stays married to me and he said “because you make me laugh” and that’s enough.

    There’s very few people that can truly brighten other people’s lives. You’re one of them. As long as there are good times then the bad times are worth it.

    Feel better!

  49. Jenny, It’s hard to see you hurting. Your posts that aren’t funny are almost painful. But they make you REAL. And, I can only speak for me, but they make me love you that much more. I know that my life is better with you in it, without a doubt. As I think most of your dedicated readers feel the same way. So I will always laugh with you in the good times and feel pain in your bad times. Thank you for writing through both times. I appreciate it so very much. I hope you feel better soon.

  50. If it’s any consolation, my days are made both easier AND better because of your blog. So if you weren’t here, it’d be both harder and worse. Did that warrant a smile? Hope you feel better soon!

  51. I’ve been there through different avenues and I really feel your pain. I’m glad you realize that writing so that you remember it will pass will help! I’m sorry you struggle with this. You are a hilarious and strong woman and I enjoy reading your blogs so much. I also have great respect for you for putting it all out there and your blatant honesty. You are amazing!

  52. I’m a newbie follower (total Beyonce jump on the bandwagon fan) & lurker. And I just wanted to reach out and give you a heartfelt hug. Definitely glad you’re here.

  53. This is precisely why I love you Jenny. Because you seem to understand, and more importantly, write what I feel when I get sick. And it makes me feel not so alone. You are amazing, and strong, and a better person than some of the people I know. Just remember you’re allowed to have bad days and that it get’s better. That you are loved.

  54. Oh, darlin’, my heart goes out to you…I’ve been following your blog for a few years now, and I wish I could take the hurt from you. You’re a very special person and even in your darkest, pain-filed days, you still manage to inspire and bring hope to others. You’re a blessing to so many…and even now, I needed to read this as much as you needed to write it. Never stop being you. Much love and gentle hugs from Tennessee.

  55. Rheumatoid arthritis is the pits. However, you can adjust to the pain levels and fatigue if you ever hit a spot where the meds don’t work. It is a mental thing, a trick you pull on yourself. Just remember that it can be endured on days that you feel like you can’t endure. I watch my husband live with it (the meds no longer work for him) and realize how lucky I am to be healthy. But he just mentally shrugs and keeps going somehow. He feels lucky that it is not life-threatening, just life style threatening. That it is, but somehow he just soldiers on and you will, too. Even if you think you can’t. He’s slowly figured out how to adjust to the disability and still do the things he enjoys. You will, too. Be happy the meds will eventually calm your flare. You just have to endure until it does, just for another few minutes or a few days. You can do that. I know you can and you know you can, too. It’s just nice to whine a little occasionally. Hugs from CH where we have been there and live there still.

  56. My own pain issues and depression don’t even compare to yours, but I totally get where you are, now. Hopefully, come September 10th, I’ll have something for you that will brighten your day and leave me feeling furiously happy with myself that I could bite the bullet and really do something worthy of you.

    Wow. That kind of sounds like I’m gonna shoot someone for you. Very Hinkley like. EEE.

    I’m not gonna do that! I promise! Unless you consider shooting a picture of someone with something like shooting someone, in that case, I’m totally doing that.

  57. Thank you for posting this. I don’t suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, but I have felt that awful, sinking depression. Most of the time it feels as those the depression is brought on by severe exhaustion. Sometimes it’s just life’s little hang-ups.
    Hang in there. There are many strangers like me out in cyberspace who look to you for a bright spot on our own dark days.

    P.S. I’ve often thought if I could just find my own metal chicken, I would put it in my front yard (I’m from Oklahoma, we can do crazy shit like that and no one would notice) and every day when I pull into the driveway after work, it would make me think of your blog about Beyonce and I would smile and be comforted. 🙂

  60. Can I give you an e-hug? Your husband sounds like a keeper. I’m so sorry for your pain. Your words make me and laugh and cry! Keep fighting.

  61. Thank you for writing this post. You are so right about like being easier, but not better. My Mom took her life when I was in my early 20’s and her loss is profoundly felt.

  62. Thank you for making me laugh most of the time, but thank you this time for being brave enough to share so I don’t feel so alone.

    I have Crohn’s disease and the pattern is so familiar, though not as acute as your RA flares. It’s so hard to explain the pain and fatigue.

    Love and prayers

  63. buddists say sometimes life sucks. and it does. i went through ptsd after a 3 day labour and i felt like my family would be better off without me but they didn’t agree. neither does yours. we’re cheering for you and those of us who can relate are feeling for you.

  64. Hey there. I know your pain, literally. Thank you for sharing you life, I would have never guessed that you still do all you do with this awfull disease. I will always fight it but when it brings me low like today, I know that I can read your blog and laugh til my cheeks cramp and my belly hurts. You’ve made my world better today. Thanks.

  65. I have no great words of comfort for you, but as our own worst critics, it is hard to stop. Know that you are doing the best you can and that your friends and family all know life would not be better without you in it.

  68. you are the best. thanks for the strength..sending it right back to you.

  69. My nephew has RA, as well as psoriasis. My daughter has Mastocytosis (It flares like your RA does, but different symptoms) – I have hypothyroidism that appears to be treatment-resistant at this point (at least that’s how I feel)… I battle depression too. I have pain too (not like yours, though). I completely understand the mind-numbing fatigue, and the voices in your head telling you that you aren’t good enough, that you should just ‘get up and work through it’, that you are l.a.z.y. (I HATE that word). Your post made me cry, but not in a bad way. I just wish I could take it away from you is all. You bring so much brightness to so many, it sucks that you have to feel this way from time to time. Thank you for sharing your pain, because there are a LOT of us out there in pain, and we feel just a little bit closer to you tonight. Sending you good juju, in hopes that you are back on your feet tomorrow, and completely oblivious to how bad you felt this week.

    ps…. we have a ‘tanning’ bed from Mercola dot com. It’s called the Sunsplash Renew. It hangs over a door, so it takes up NO space. check them out. My daughter’s flares have decreased DRAMATICALLY since we started the therapy, and I know that RA has also been linked to vitamin D deficiency. I don’t know if it would CURE you, but if it lessened the severity or frequency of your flares, I think it would be TOTALLY worth it. <3

  70. Chronic pain is one of those things that you cannot fully grasp until you’ve experienced it. And then you wish you could go back to not fully understanding it. I’m sorry you get it, I really am.

    I hope your flares stay few and far between and that your mind is also on the mend soon.

  72. Big, big hug Jenny… I feel your pain, get well soon and every time you feel crappy just repeat to yourself that this too shall pass <3

    Louma

  75. Thank you for this. I’ll have to remember Victor’s words the next time my boyfriend wakes up because I couldn’t control my middle-of-the-night-oh-fuck-I-can’t-sleep-again panic attack and burst into tears. His life *would* be easier without me. But if he thought for a second that it would be better, he’d be gone.

    I don’t have arthritis, but this post still makes me feel less alone.

  76. I wish I didn’t know what you were talking about, but unfortunately some days, I need Derek to help me get out of bed. RA sucks, no way around it. It’s an endless cycle of “pretty good” to “completely awful and can’t move” and everywhere in between.

  77. I understand some of what you’re saying. That’s why I started a blog – there are some days I laugh so much I cry and some days I just cry. I have told my hubby the exact same thing and, like your Victor, he wouldn’t have it any other way. Auto-immune life sometimes sucks. I was having a dark day when you introduced me to Beyonce. I’ll be forever grateful, sistah-Texan.

  79. You nailed it, and so did Victor. I can’t imagine the physical pain you’re going through and my heart aches for the mean tricks your brain is playing as well — my friend calls those voices your sabateurs (in my head they look like the cartoon gargoyles in the cartoon, um, “Gargoyles”) and they’re very talented at keeping you from being your best self.

    You make the world so much better, and I wish it was easier for you. I sent my sister (who was recently diagnosed as bipolar II and is having a HELLA bad year) your blogs about Beyonce and then a desktop Beyonce for her windowsill — it was the first time she’s sent me a normal happy upbeat email in months. Thank you for sharing some of the hard stuff as well as the awesome!funny!crazy stuff.

  80. Thank you for writing this, Jenny. Really. I was diagnosed with RA several years ago, but my pregnancies have kept it at bay for a while. (Apparently those stupid hormones are good for something after all.) But my youngest is now 7 months old and those familiar aches and pains are resurfacing. I’m so glad to know I’m not the only one who thinks “Is this all in my head?”.

  81. Thank you. You’re blog makes me so happy with it’s mixture of laughs & reality! Pure awesomness! And it’s nice to know others struggle in the darkness caused by the shit our evil bodies deal out.

  83. I don’t comment much, but I always read. RA is a bitch and then some. I know because I have it too. Mine is matched with Bipolar disorder so I understand the depression part too. I also understand how the pain can cause the depression and all those damn lies it tells you. You are right though. This too will pass. It will get better. Hang on a little bit longer sweetie. You’ll get your normal back.

  84. You are such a rock star. And I don’t mean in the ” Sid you ate all the drugs” kind of way, but in the “You inspire me all the time” kind of way.

    Love!

  85. I am sorry to hear about your flare up. I am not sure what you have used to make it feel better, but I do hope that the pain will lessen and go away soon. I also hope that you will be gentle with yourself. We all have faults, we all have needs, and that is why we have family and friends. So they can cover your butt after you have covered theirs. =D And if rheumatoid arthritis had a door way somewhere well then it would need a whole flock of metal chickens.

  86. Im going through labor pains right now, and I wish peace on both of us, but more for you. I am thinking of you. Don’t let your mind take over. You are so much more than your pain.

  87. Easier lives are overrated. Highly. We need you around because you poke at things until they get up and do something.
    It sucks when depression eats away at you, and few people understand what it’s like until they’ve gone through it. Just getting up is a big step. It seems like small potatoes to people on the outside, but when even getting up hurts, it’s a monumental STFU to the voice in your head when you can get on the computer and blog about it. So, Jenny: 1, Demons: 0 .

  88. I am so sorry you are in such pain. I know that chronic pain is awful and I can see why suicide looks like a viable option for those who live with it constantly, day after day, week after week, and month after month. I woke up one morning a couple of days before Thanksgiving one year with this horrible pain running down the back of my right leg. Painful so much I had to rush to a friends house for an acupuncture and massage treatment on my way out of town for the holiday. It only helped a tiny bit. After weeks of physical therapy, drug therapy, traction and an MRI, it was discovered I had a ruptured disc at L4 / L5. I was only able to work for 4 hours a day and laying down was about the only thing that felt sort of ok. Everything I tried just barely took the edge off my pain. Then I wasn’t able to stand it any longer and my doctor finally referred me to a surgeon who didn’t hesitate to do surgery the following week. I felt so much better just waking up in recovery!! Sorry for the long story but I just wanted you to know I get it. Please be good to yourself and feel better soon. We need the BLOGGESS!!!!

  89. You, Jenny, are an inspiration to us all. You inspire us to be better than we are; to laugh and have fun. You also make us realize that we aren’t alone when we are in our darkest moments. The world simply wouldn’t be the same without you here. I’m so sorry you are in so much pain and in such a dark spot. Sending lots and lots of love and lots and lots of hugs and hoping you feel better soon! x

  90. Most honest portrayal of the whole thing of living with an immune system that is unpredictably eating the rest of your body that I have ever read. The physical is only the half of it. It is the normal of people like us with autoimmune diseases, but it is also what drives some of us to savor that which others avoid, like James Garfield and Beyonce. One foot in front of the other. You can do it.

  92. I’m not going through the exact same thing that you are, but my anxiety is through the roof the last few days. Knowing that these horrible things will pass, that it will get easier is sometimes the only thing that makes trying possible. You are a hero to me. Finding ways to make sure you always remember it will get easier.

  93. So sorry you are feeling so crappy! Victor is a prince, and he’s totally right. You make life better. Beautiful post.

  94. I’m forwarding this to my Dad. He suffers w/ RA and I know it has to be hard on him and my Mom. I love how honest you are, and I think by being so, you help a lot of people, becomes sometimes laughter really is the best medicine there is. Lighting a candle for you tonight and sending healing vibes your way.

  95. I’m pretty sure that Victor’s life would only be less entertaining without you! Thanks for sharing posts like this with us. xoxo

  97. Jenny, I hope you feel better already. I was a chronic pain sufferer for over 14 years. I am lucky to have come out the other side, but sometimes I look back with bitterness, feeling that I was robbed of my twenties, knowing that I was lucky to have survived my late teen years when the pain steered me into an addiction to pain pills. In all of those years I never once had enough courage to be vulnerable to others, to let them in and share what I was going through. You are a hero in so many ways. Your body may completely suck sometimes, but your soul totally rocks.

  99. Yay to Victor for finding exactly the right words. Easier ain’t always better. Know that you are loved.

  100. It’s always alright in the end…if it isn’t alright, it isn’t the end…
    Hope you are feeling better soon. The world would be neither easier or better if you went away. If you ever doubt that, make sure you ask any one of your readers.

    Much Love to you!

  101. Thank you.

    I’m sitting here crying because yesterday, I fell into that pit. That blackness that is, “There is no point to a life lived this way. I drain everyone. My friends are sick of listening to me sob. What’s the point?” Those times when you really don’t want to crawl out of bed, you wish people would let you rot and die because this can’t be it. This can’t be my life. All those dreams you have to give up because of flair-ups that are unpredictable and horrible.

    I have my family, but I’m an adult. And feel like such a failure for never having been able to move out on my own, or hold down a full-time job, or anything else. So thank you for reminding me it’s not just me. And life wouldn’t be better without you. I love reading your blog and relating with your pain and humor and stories that I just adore. I WOULD NOTICE AND NOT BE BETTER OFF. I’m telling you because I hope, one day, someone says the same to me.

  102. Yea, I’ve got Lupus . . . so I know these pains all too well. They blow, on about 9000 levels. About the only thing we can do is find a way to make humor in the mix. I flip the bird at my Lupus rash, and I tell people my bruises are from climbing Mt. Everest in sling backs. Though, I don’t recommend offering someone a bloody tissue (from a nose bleed) and saying “Want some Lupus?”

  104. Yea, I’ve got Lupus . . . so I know these pains all too well. They blow, on about 9000 levels. About the only thing we can do is find a way to make humor in the mix. I flip the bird at my Lupus rash, and I tell people my bruises are from climbing Mt. Everest in sling backs. Though, I don’t recommend offering someone a bloody tissue (from a nose bleed) and saying “Want some Lupus?”

  106. Thank you, Jenny. So many people don’t understand chronic illness because much of the time, there’s no big outward sign of what’s wrong, no gaping wound, no cast, no bruises. But the pain is still there, and will never really go away. It kills me every time my wife is in pain, and there is absolutely nothing I can do for her, other than comfort her and do as many things as I can so she can just rest. And Victor’s right, sometimes things seem like they would be easier, but I know they would never be better.

    This post was wonderful because it gives those with chronic illness something to relate to, and it also gives the people who love those with chronic illness something to relate to as well. Thank you.

  107. You know, I’ve had a really bad couple of days, beating myself up for being overweight, mismanaging my finances, being unemployed and secretly enjoying it. My husband’s family is a cluster fuck and he just had to move his dad out of his house because he can’t take care of himself. He gets so angry when he’s stressed out and directs it toward me. The only thing keeping me from just crumbling into a heap are my four little boys, yet they are exasperating too. God that is a big whinefest, but it feels so good to get it out. I’ve become so accustomed to hiding my feelings I don’t even know how I feel anymore.

    This really isn’t all about me, though. It’s about you, Jenny, and my admiration of your openness and raw honesty. All the best to you. Knowing you’ll get through your moment makes me feel confident I’ll come through mine. I really needed to hear this tonight.

    Love you! And I love that Wil Wheaton is all your BFF now on Twitter.

  108. Isn’t it nice how writing stuff down gives you so much perspective later? You have courage to share such emotions. Stay strong and feel better soon.

  110. Jenny.

    This makes me want to cry because I have fought depression for at least four years and I know that voice. It says “they’ll be okay without me.”

    That voice is a lie. It does get better and NO THEY WOULDN’T. With love, hugs and understanding. Stay strong, sister. Or fall apart. It gets better. Know this above all.

    Heidi (girl to mom)

  111. Just hang in there…. and here’s something to think about….

    The Roller Coaster scene from Parenthood.

  112. It’s sort of like those times when I get sick, and I never get sick. And I think to myself, “HOLY CRAP I’VE NEVER FELT THIS HORRIBLE IN MY LIFE!!” but, in reality, last time I was sick (or had cramps… or got poison ivy on my va-jay, which happened), chances are I did (in fact) feel this bad. It’s strange how your mind blocks it out, and you forget that you were there, and then the reminder helps you get through it.

    I know that it’s not the same, and I know it may not sound like it compares. But I wanted you to know I am feeling for you, and my heart goes out.

  113. I’ve had rheumatoid arthritis since I was 3 years old (now 36) and my bad flare ups still take me by surprise, knock me down a few pegs, and leave me wiped out emotionally, physically, mentally. In college, my girlfriends thought I was faking it (for weeks? really? get a clue) and my now husband has been patient beyond belief. He doesn’t understand, but he is empathetic. You’re not alone, even if it feels lonely. Be well.

  114. Stay strong, Jenny! Our families and friends would much rather have us in our slightly damaged states than not at all, any day. And they say God doesn’t throw anything at you that you can’t handle. Unless it’s the Armageddon asteroid making a direct hit on you, cause then you’re probably just fucked.

  115. You make the world a brighter, more fun, laughter and smile-filled place for people all over the world. You inspire us to do crazy things like, take photos with metal chickens and, let our kids write banana messages, and… remind us that life is about fun and family and friends, not just the tedium of a daily grind.

    It’s not much for me to say that I hope this dark time passes quickly, but, I have no doubt thousands of people across the world are hoping it too, and sending strength and love in their thoughts.

  116. RA sucks. I feel your pain. I was diagnosed 15 years ago, in my mid-20s. There’ve been times I felt like a human pincushion from all the injections and IVs, and got pushed to the edge because the steroids do weird shit to my brain. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to end it all just so that the pain would go away. But you just put it perfectly: “I’ve been here before and come out the other side” each and every time.

    Work with your rheumatologist. I’ve been aggressive, and it’s gotten a little better over the 15 years. Hell, there’s drugs now that weren’t even available then, and even though they haven’t been life-changers like they have been for some, they definitely make the bad days less frequent.

    And since I’m having a string of good days, I’ll walk in my local Arthritis Walk tomorrow in your name and mine and everyone else who also has RA.

  118. I won’t even try to pretend I understand your ongoing struggle with this, but I wanted to share something. A year ago I had some sort of “disease” that went undiagnosed that manifested like RA. My joints swelled, most days I had unbearable pain, and I went through a battery of fruitless and frustrating doctors and tests. What I had went away as mysteriously as it appeared and my conclusion is that it was related to a Lyme tick bite I had gotten the year before that.

    While I was sick I discovered fresh turmeric root and started making teas from turmeric, ginger, and honey. Drinking the tea itself was soothing, but it helped more than any medication in reducing the swelling in my joints and I wanted to offer that to you in case you hadn’t come across this remedy. I also offer this well aware how maddening it can be when someone offers advice for something you’ve been struggling with and have probably tried everything for, so just know that I have no illusions that this will be your answer or will cure you. But I can’t not offer something that helped me in hopes that it could bring you even a little bit of comfort.

    Be well.

  119. For some reason, the best and brightest lights in the world go through the crappiest things.
    Feel better soon, I’m sure that your nearest and dearest just hate that you’re in pain, and that they can’t make you better. The world inside your head is always worse than the world you’re actually in.

  120. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I feel you with this post. I have fibromyalgia and was sick with first bronchitis and then strep for 6 weeks, and am now fighting through the resulting fibro flare. It is sheer hell, and this morning I was lying in bed crying, feeling exactly the way you described here. Those little lies got to me, the idea that my family would be better off without me, they’re so burdened, what do I contribute, etc. I felt so, so tired and worthless, and I didn’t see the end to this flare.

    … and then my husband came in, and without realizing how down I was hugged me, and told me he loves me, and asked if I wanted to go walk and then get Icees. I realized that no… like Victor said, sure it might be easier without me around (and maybe not, I don’t know), but life wouldn’t be as enjoyable. So I got up, took a deep breath, washed my face and went with them, and we laughed and told stories, and I felt wanted. Loved. Needed.

    Thank you so much for being open about what you fight with. Chronic conditions are horrible, both for the people who have them and for their families. Sometimes it helps to have someone remind you that it doesn’t stay this way.

    So yea… you make me laugh, you inspire me, and you make my crappy days brighter. Thank you.

  121. I think it is harder to be broken when you know you can be better. Waking up to have your hopes dashed is hard! This, too, shall pass but that doesn’t make it easy! I hope it wraps itself up quickly so you can get back to your regularly scheduled programming.

  123. I fell in love with this blog when you wrote about a Big Metal Chicken named Beyonce. But, this post right here? This is the one that told me that I’ll be reading you forever. I don’t have RA, but I do have some pretty batshit crazy chronic pain and this post is It. Thank you for writing it. Thank you for verbalizing what it’s like in the vortex of the pain and the guilt that comes with it when you have a husband and little kids. Victor nailed it. This will be my new mantra. It would be easier, but not better. Thank you.

  124. As the mother to a child with a chronic illness…your family does in share in it but the love is no less and there is NO burden to be had. It is what family does. Never, ever feel bad for having the hand you were dealt. As I tell my seven year old, everyone has something. People have heart problems, cholesterol, weight problems, depression, anxiety…overactive bladders….whatever. No one is perfect and it is our job and honor to love and care for each other. xooxo

  125. Now I know why I like reading your blog so much – my 6 year old daughter has JRA. Most of the time she is fine. You would never know by looking at her that she has it. We just went to a camp for kids with arthritis and as I looked around, I realized how blessed we are that she is not in a lot of pain. She’s had to have three injections since she was diagnosed at 3 1/2, but that is far fewer than I was told would probably happen. I’m sorry you’re in so much pain. Thank you for writing such truth about the disease. I hope my daughter is able to one day express herself about her JRA as honestly as you do.

  127. I’ve been battling depression for more then 16 years, on and off meds. I know how you’re (mentally) feeling. Besides your family there are hundreds, if not thousands of us that care about your welfare. Don’t give into the thoughts, don’t give up. We’re all pulling for you.

  128. I just recently discovered your blog and I became an instant fan. You have a gift for making people laugh. Then I read that you have RA, and I immediately gave you a million cool points. I am 31, but I was diagnosed with RA at 19 and I’ve already had both hips replaced. Just remember that a sense of humor is better than any drug – except demerol, cause that’s my fave. And the good thing about feeling bad is that the only other option is to feel good. Hang in there. 🙂

  129. hugs…you have put a smile on my face so many days and I hope today I can send you a virtual hug and some feel good vibes in hopes you will be feeling bright and healthy soon…x

  130. My brother just recently introduced me to your blog, where I learned about writing messages on bananas and about Beyonce! Both made me laugh so hard! But then you started to write about RA, and I was hooked! I’ve not met another person that has RA, so it has been great to read about how RA affects you and how you are coping. I’ve had flares like you wrote about, especially after each of my 3 kids were born–nothing stinks worse than being in so much pain that you cannot even pick up your babies! But eventually I was able to get back on Remicade (a life changing infusion I get only 1x/8 weeks), and life became manageable again. Hang in there, and I hope each day starts feeling better than the last! And thank you for making us laugh and cry along with you!

  131. My mom suffers from RA. After a five year, very scary struggle, she was finally diagnosed. Thank you for sharing this. I have only experienced my mother’s struggles from the periphery and reading this has given me a greater sense of what she goes through. Sending good (hopefully) karma your way in hopes that you have a safe, smooth recovery.

  132. This is one of the reasons I love your blog. There’s no bullshit with you. You tell us how you feel and share the crazy stuff we all have in our head. It sucks to live with something that tests you in ways you never want to be test. I for one understand the emotion behind this post as I too have struggled with ongoing health issues. Thank you for sharing and letting us know we are not alone. I’m so pleased to see that your fans have shown you, YOU are not alone. Your husband is AWESOME – plain and simple. Say and do what you have to do and I look forward to when you feel up to crackin’ me up again. Remember your strength!

  136. HI Jenny,

    I don’t know you but i follow your blog. Usually it is funny. I am sad? no… surprised maybe, to see that you, too, are human and have to suffer through so much pain. I appreciate your honesty. I have been there… on those darkest of dark days. I am there for a different reason, but still, I’m there too. They always pass, like you said. But when you are living it, in the middle knee deep in sadness and fear of what the future brings, it helps I think to have people who will understand.

    I hope you do feel better soon. I shared my blog that I have been keeping for my son. Take a look if you want.

    Katie

  139. I have so so much respect for you for writing this. To be so gut honest about suffering takes a crazy strength that I know I, for one, don’t have. Don’t you for one second regret writing this, because it is historical proof of your badassery. Chronic illness is fucked up in so many ways, but I hope you realize you have a fuck-ton of people who support you and whose lives have been enriched just from you being around. We love you!

  140. Bless your heart. I’m so sorry you have to go through that. There’s nothing worse than extreme pain. This post really rang true for me tonight. I’m recovering from foot surgery and I keep telling myself to stop whining about the pain. I’ll eventually be able to sleep again. I tell myself to get up on the crutches and be more motivated to have a good day. I tell myself I am such a burden on my friends and family bc I’ve moved from my grandmother’s to my mother’s to my aunt and uncle’s. I’m a pain in the ass! And it’s severely depressing. But like you said, it will get better. I hate that it’s something you have to deal with more than once. It was a good idea to write this as I do think it will be a good reminder when or if there is a next time. Hang in there my dear bc I just recently found your blog and love it. Your blog and your tweets make me double over in laughter. Love it and I need that!

  141. On July 10th I got hit with Serotonin Syndrome.

    The doctors said that I wasn’t statistically “supposed to survive” it. It was serious. I’m still really sick.

    Some days I can’t get out of bed. Some times I just cry without my husband knowing, because he is trying his best but this has been so unpredictable. He almost had to deal with his wife dying, and now there’s a rollercoaster of emotions and pain and ups and downs and fevers and sweating and crying. It’s impact on my entire body has been immense. This isn’t my first rodeo, I’ve had to deal with a huge variety of physical illnesses that a 20-something shouldn’t have to.

    I’m crying now and I don’t even know why.

    It’s horrible. It is really, really horrible. I open my eyes in the morning and try to wonder what balance of medications will make me the most productive, and I lie, and I say that I’m Ok when I’m actually exhausted and I want to curl up in bed and close my eyes and just make it all go away. I don’t know how I can get through this intact. My family has been so, so supportive but they have limits and can only emotionally handle so much.

    And I am sorry for making this about me. But because of this I discovered this book: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/503349.Close_to_the_Bone and while it’s “fluffy” in some places, it helps. It really does. Nothings going to make the pain go away, but this helped me understand things a bit more.

    So much love to you.

  142. I have FM a chronic pain disease, a friend just showed me your blog, i understand all too well! . god i do, i wish you pain free days and joyful ones too…Pain is a curse in our lives..hang in and hang on, and always love who you are…to be pain free is the true joy of living”..
    Di..

  143. Much love to you. And Kira, too. And anyone else who needs a reminder that they’re loved. When I want the black hole to swallow me up and wish that I would just fucking die already, I’ll play “It’s a Wonderful Life” on the movie reel in my head, and remind myself that we all touch the lives of so many others.

    I have a son with autism; and lately, it always feels like it’s just too much. The forever-ness of it all, knowing that this. is. it. That he will never tell me he loves me, that my husband will never understand what it’s like to be screamed at all day long, that I swear to God I can’t take one more day of this because it’s breaking me. And then my husband’s good friend from work died, and it reminded me that people really do care. That we need each other. That we matter to each other.

    Wishing you clarity in the darkness, too.

  144. Today, as Victor drove me home so I could rest, I told him that sometimes I felt like his life would be easier without me. He paused and said, “It might be easier, but it wouldn’t be better.”

    So, you have something like 140K followers and there are already over 100 comments on this one post and one more comment more or less isn’t going to make a significant impact, I know. I mean, I do know.
    But at the same time, I have to say you, your honesty, your…realness makes such a difference in the life of this one little person. *points at self* And that statement above? That one right there? That exact conversation has taken place between my husband and I when it comes to his Crohn’s. Only, y’know, with me playing Victor’s role.

    So, thanks for posting this. You make such an incredible difference in so many lives. Even if it’s via metal chickens, you make us all smile and appreciate life. LIFE.

  145. Having a friend who also has these types of episodes, you have done me a favor by describing it so well. I do hope that you are on the up side of the hill now.

  147. It’s so hard when you are living through something so intensely painful to think of anything else. Consumed by agony & alone with one’s thoughts can be a dangerous place to be, I hope this post does help you next time, but I also wholeheartedly wish that there didn’t have to be a “next time”.

  148. RA sucks big time. I’ve had it since I was 17 and totally understand all you are going through. Hang in there, it’ll pass!

  149. I usually keep some extra tough vibes in reserve for myself on worknights (as I do about 10 hours of heavy lifting each night), but you need ’em more than I do, Jenny. Yer a tuff broad, tho! You’ll get through this and head out on a mission to find another friend to bring home for James Garfield, Beyonce and Copernacus to cling to (and torture Victor).

    Keep yer head up, chicka!

  151. I live with fibromyalgia and crushing chronic fatigue syndrome. I am so with you on this post, I can’t even put it into words. May you start to feel better soon – I wish we all had the magic bullet cure.

  152. I know the feeling. Not about the arthritis but man depression is such a bitch. And for the record, OUR lives would never be easier or better without you. <3

  153. This post was particularly touching for me. Wishing the best to you and Victor. It’s always nice hearing there are others that can relate with what you’re going through, even when it’s not exactly the same situation. *warm fuzzies*

  154. I haven’t been reading your blog for very long, but I already know you deal with everything better than most. You are strong and awesome and I can’t wait to read what you have to say tomorrow. I hope you are feeling better.

  155. Thank You, Jenny. Thank you for reminding this depressed fibromyalgic woman that things can and will get better.
    I’m so fucking tired of waiting. I could deal with the pain and the fatigue if only the depression would let up. Please, something, let up. Please.
    Nadine

  156. I understand. I have joints that dislocate and bend in wonky ways and oesteo arthritis in my hands and knees, despite being only 22. Some days it’s not easy and some weeks, giving up would be easier.

    Feeling this.

  159. Sister, this touched me. I know some people are going to go on and on about how you’re supposed to be funneh, and irreverent. But I’m glad you took the risk and posted this. This shows everyone that no matter how normal people look, there could be something underneath that’s hurting them. And no matter how strong someone seems, they can feel the exact same way I do.

    When you come back to yourself, and read this… know that I’m glad you posted it. And I know. Thank you.

  160. Jenny, I’m extremely shy and almost never post anywhere on the interwebs, but I’ve been drinking some gin and feel brave enough to de-lurk to tell you first of all how sorry I am to hear you are ailing, but also how much your blog has helped and inspired me since early 2011. I know, I’m shamefully late to the Bloggess wonderland, but in a way I’m grateful for that because your posts — and I’ve read every single one in marathon stretches of feeling paralyzed and unable to communicate or leave my home — have helped me through the greatest period of depression in my entire life. I had a series of devastating personal incidents occur in the span of a month (lost my best friend, lost my grandmother, my significant other lost his job, and I went through a hellish experience at work, a job I adored and did well, but had to quit because it was making me physically and mentally ill) and could. not. cope. I’m still recovering, but your stories distracted me and gave me the courage to start writing again. Thank you for the laughs but also for helping me see the light in the throes of the crushing, suffocating, excruciatingly painful darkness. You are a national treasure. Hugs. XOXO

  161. People talk about the grieving process. But they so rarely talk about the chronic illness/recovery process.

    That feeling that it will never be right again… I feel sometimes like I forget who I am, who I was, what I’m really about, all lost in a haze of pain and fatigue and a body that is so occupied with process that it can’t do anything but be in the state that it is.

    Do write… looking back on my journal, it reminds me both that it’s been worse and that it always gets better eventually. (I have fibro and am currently pregnant. The combination is Not Pretty.)

  162. I dont have ra fortunately. That’s one of my dads myriad of probs. I alw. I always tell him all those damn meds just guarantee he will be well preserved for decades to come. Personally, i am apathetic about this living thing. I.tell my mom…not gonna off myself.bit I also have no desire to make this shit go on any longer. Yes, issues with anxiety and depression. Sorry for being captain buzzkill.

  164. You take away so much pain and bring laughter and happiness to so many; it’s unfair that we cannot take your pain away. I’m glad you have a family that loves and supports you, and an online family that hopes you will have only better days ahead.

  166. We all love you, Jenny. Our lives are certainly better with your hilarious blog posts. Feel better, darlin’. You’re in our thoughts <3

  167. I’m so sorry you’re hurting. But I appreciate you sharing the good AND the bad. I don’t have RA, but I do have restless legs syndrome, which I know sounds totally made-up. Sometimes it means I go up to 5 days without any sleep and my legs keep moving and it makes me BONKERS. Or sometimes I can sleep a little each night but not more than 1 or 2 hours, for weeks on end. And I worry that I’m exhausting the people around me, and that they are getting sick of me having problems, and talking about them. I hate missing out on my life because of a stupid disease, with a made-up sounding name. I even miss going to work, when I have a flare-up. Just a small aside- I had a bad flareup of the spastic legs this week, and I got really depressed one night until I saw my little Beyonce statuette I got from your store, sitting on my windowsill. Then I giggled, and plotted funny places to put it where my sweetie would find it, with obnoxious post-its. So even when life SUCKS, there can be good moments 🙂

  168. I appreciate you sharing and so beautifully putting into words what I only feel. I live with fibromyalgia (very similar symptoms) and sometimes it’s just so damn hard. After almost 20 years I’m done with it, but I still remember how I used to feel. I regularly dream of running free (I was a runner) and I wake up even more depressed. Thanks for sharing a bit of your pain and frustration and Victor’s words – I love Victor’s words. My new manta is: it might be easier but it wouldn’t be better. Hang in.

  169. That you have the fortitude to write your way through this is awe-inspiring. I hope all this love coming at you gives some peace, even if only a little. You make life better for all of us but of course this isn’t about us–it’s about you. Be where you are, go through what you need to, but please come back soon. Sending you hugs–gentle ones–and big sloppy kisses.

  170. I know so many people with RA and I have an autoimmune disorder as well as osteoarthritis quite literally in every joint, so I’m familiar with the depression and ongoing pain. Probably not as bad as yours, but comparison is not relevant anyway. I’ve certainly said the same thing to my husband, who responded kindly, but not as succinctly as Victor did. My thoughts are with you. Soon you’ll put one foot in front of the other and it won’t feel so bad, and finally, finally, you’ll feel normal again. And we’ll all be waiting to read about your latest adventure or see your newest taxidermied companion or laugh at Hailey’s smart-alec comment (she is really sophisticated for her age). Until that day: {{{{{Jenny}}}}}

  171. Thank you. My stepmother has rheumatoid arthritis, and this helps me understand her better.

  173. This post really resonates with me. I am so sorry you deal with such a horrible, painful, debilitating condition.
    I felt all those feelings you’ve described when I had an extreme hormonal pregnancy rash flare up a few weeks ago. Although I feel thankful that it’s all I’ve had to deal with (your condition has really put mine in perspective), I really did feel useless, helpless (especially as it took over two weeks without the right treatment or a diagnosis) and like I was a massive drain on everyone when I’m supposed to be all upbeat, funny and fun to be around – not to mention ‘glowing’ and all that shit. I felt frustrated, unproductive, unattractive (the scarring is a nightmare) and like a failure. Finding out it won’t go away until the birth (and then scaring myself on google with stories of women who never got rid of it ever) really got me down – the fear of another flare up is always in the back of my mind.

    I don’t know if I have any advice to give – I’m still working through my emotions – but just know that by posting this, you made me feel like I can get through this temporary situation because what you’re getting through takes so much bravery and strength. Thankyou for inspiring me – I was having a down day, but I’m going to fight harder.

    I hope the down days clear up for you soon x

  176. I love you when you’re silly and I love you when you’re bat-shit crazy, but I love you best of all when you’re open like this. Thank-you. I really needed to hear this right now.

  178. I too have tears in my eyes reading your post; few people understand when you’re in pain and they can’t see why. I appreciate your sharing with us because it will teach people some things they don’t know or understand. Hopefully it will open some people’s minds because they enjoy everything you write. Have you tried any guided imagery during the bad times? You might want to look at Healthjourneys.com. There are many recorded sessions that could be of help to you. They help you fight the bad tapes in your head with good messages instead. Belleruth Naparstek is an amazing woman. She’s done a lot to help people, including soldiers with PTSD and helping them avoid PTSD. I hope this bout will pass quickly. Keep the faith; we keep it in you.

  179. Ack. RA sucks rocks. Feel what you feel, know that you are loved (especially by Victor) and then get up and move your body again when you can! Don’t let these moments or the darn disease define you. We are all better than the stupid, messed up antibodies that think it is fun to fuck with our bodies every now and then!!

  180. Sending you much love and prayers. This too shall pass. Even though it feels like it won’t. Feelings are not facts. The fact is you’re an amazing person who is in a shit load of pain, but the pain will eventually leave your body. I’m hoping your thousands of fans who are sending you tons of love and healing prayers lifts your spirits. xo simone

  181. Jenny, Thanks so much for writing this! I sometimes have days with my depression where I wonder if it wouldn’t be better for my family without me. I never say anything. Sometimes I don’t think my husband even knows how depressed I am. But I love my good days with my family, so I do my best to tough it out and ignore those thoughts. Seeing that you go thru that too… well, it helps so very much. Thank you. I hope that tomorrow is filled with sunshine and no clouds and that you have all the strength and energy you need to be you!

  182. I’ve never commented on one of your posts before, but today I felt compelled to. I don’t share your pain, but I do share in the black days and self-doubts. For me, it started when my infant son died from an inherited disease called spinal muscular atrophy. I gave him the genes that failed him, and then I couldn’t save him from his own body. I was wracked with guilt and filled with self-doubt. I quit my job. I refused to get out of bed. I tried to drive my husband away – to someone who would be easier. Then, one day I realized that, as you said, easier isn’t better. I had a wonderful son, who is now my guardian angel, and he came to me for a reason, which one day I hope to understand. I have a husband that I love who loves me when I’m at my worst. I am stronger than I give myself credit…and you are too. Sending you light and laughter.

  183. Oh, Jenny. If I had a genie in a bottle, I would wish for you to be healthy and happy. It doesn’t seem fair that you provide SO many of us with laughter and happy tears and yet, you have to suffer. =[

    Feel better soon. *hugs*

    ? M

  184. I know EXACTLY what you mean, what you are going through. I KNOW that pain and the deep aftermath. I’ve had people (doctors *and* family) say to me “it’s all in your head.” Well OK then…fix my head!!!! Fuckers.

    I’m sending all the positive energy I can your way. You will climb back up. I know. And I also know just how hard it is to remember/believe that. (((Big Hugs)))

  186. Just gotta take it one day at a time. I’d offer you a cold one, but seeing as this is the internet and not meatspace, all I have to offer are some words of encouragement and support and a rain check on the beer.

    Here’s to you getting better, girl!

  187. I’m sure you’ve read a thousand suggestions, and mine may be no better, but as someone who has said those exact same words to her husband after her 2nd cancer diagnosis (what can I say? I’m hard to kill)…your words spoke to me tonight.
    An odd, but completely harmless alternative therapy for circulation problems, chronic pain, and arthritis is called “Earthing”. It’s simply grounding yourself so that your body is at the same charge as the earth’s, with the theory being that it returns you to your best healing state. I bought the sheet that lies at the end of my bed, and small wire connects it to the grounding plug in a nearby outlet. There is no electricity…it’s just connected to the grounding plug. My feet lie on it while I sleep, which is exactly the same as me standing barefoot outside. I started 12 weeks ago, and everything I read in the book “Earthing” has held true for me. My severe neck pain from an old injury is gone. I’m able to get out bed every morning with almost no hobbling (lifelong leg muscle problems I inherited from my Dad). My Dad started at the same time I did, and his pain is gone as well. No one is swearing it cures cancer, only that it gives back a meaningful quality of life for people with certain chronic health problems. The book is by Clinton Ober, Dr. Steven Sinatra, and Martin Zucker. You might find it interesting. I tried it because it couldn’t hurt me, and heck, anything is better than trying one more pill. Best wishes.

  188. First of all. I love Victor. Second, thank you for describing how it feels to have a flare up of many chronic diseases and conditions. Why do our brains do these things to us???

  189. I’m with you- you wrote exactly what goes through my head when I have migraines. You are so afraid it won’t pass- or they will become more frequent. Then you wonder why you can’t “will” it away. I’m not even a control freak… but it feels like there must be some way to improve yourself in order to avoid it. You are wonderful- I know this already- as a new reader… hang in there until the sass kicks back!!!

  191. feel better soon.
    you are brave , and wonderful and clever.
    thank you for your honesty and brilliant writing.
    Ngaire
    x

  192. There are so many times that the easier thing is by far the NOT BETTER thing to do. I have PMDD that can be pretty severe. I’ve come to recognize that when I start saying to myself, “What is even the point? Nothing will ever get better. I am not good for my family,” that it is time to take some extra good care of myself. I think it is so smart to realize that your brain can mess with you and to remember that what it is telling you is not true, even though when you’re thinking it, when it hits you, that is all that is real in the world for you. I feel fortunate that I am able to come out the other side after short periods of time. (Faster if I remember my meds.) I’m glad you have a light at the end of the tunnel too. All my love to you.

  193. Jenny, I truly hope you’re feeling better after reading all these wonderful affirmations. Another FB friend found the Beyonce post today and reading it again reminded me why yours is the only blog I subscribe to. I think we all can relate on some level, whether it’s fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, RA, depression/anxiety, chronic pain, or a chronic stomach disorder (I keep telling myself it keeps the dress sizes in check, so what if I’ve spent 1/3 of my life horribly nauseated)–when conditions flare up, it’s awful. And the depression, the “I’m never going to feel better” thoughts and the after-effect agoraphobia that go with it are incredibly debilitating. But I take solace in the fact that I’m not alone. Almost everyone out there has something that they deal with, whether they’re willing to admit it or not. We’re all in this mess together. 🙂 And who wants an easier life, anyways? Boooooring! God put us here to support each other and live life furiously happy, during the good times and the bad. So “WOLVERINES”! And I’m glad you’re on the last legs of the flare up. Hang in there!

  194. ::hugs::

    I can’t say I know what the RA is like, but I’m bipolar and am definitely with you on the latter parts there. Good for you for being able to be so open.

  195. I have “episodes” which are really a version of seizures as far as we can tell, but don’t tell the DMV. They disrupt my day and sometimes my life, but then they go away and I forget how strange they feel…until they come again a few weeks later. My hubby lets me nap and feeds me good food when I am having a flare. Some of these men deserve a little less mocking and a little more praise. Sounds like you have a good guy, too.

    You keep writing and we’ll keep reading and laughing and enjoying the distraction for whatever ails us.

  196. Jenny, just another follower to show how much we love you. *YOU* make *ME* #furiouslyhappy. Ever since Beyonce came into your life, you’ve been brightening mine quite a bit more. Victor, he said just the right thing.

    My mom suffered RA from the time she was a young teen (amongst her other myriad of health issues), and I honestly don’t know how she dealt. Mom was probably the strongest person I knew, with the highest tolerance for pain. I recently had bursitis in my hip, and it was agonizing, I had to miss work because of it. I was laid up on my couch for 2 days almost, unable to move. Mom, she always kept going.. and she had pain on a daily basis. It doesn’t do much to boost my already self loathing low self esteem issues to know I was such a *wimp* in comparison to mom. The depression, that is another story altogether. I’ve never been diagnosed, but I definately can relate to your feelings. I too, have been there, plenty. And yes, while it would be easier, it most definately, would not be better, if we all just.. gave up.

    So, positive thoughts coming your way. I hope the pain subsides soon & you get a handle on the depression again. You have a clear impact on so many lives, you have touched many, all over the globe. Hoping very much for you to feel all kinds of better, soon.

  197. Oy. Yes, there are plenty of us out here, and I’m right where you are right now, except from fibro/Sjogren’s flaring in the stupid 107,000F degree heat. The worst part is knowing that you’ll feel better soon, but you can’t remember what that feels like from it having been so long since you’ve felt decent, and then kicking yourself in the head because you know you shouldn’t be so depressed. But it happens. Repeatedly. And that’s why the world needs more giant metal chickens.

    Not sure if you know of chronic illness cat but there should be chronic awesome metal chickens too, just because. Or at least towels for everyone. http://chronicillnesscat.tumblr.com/

  198. My friend linked me to this post, because she knew that I would feel some understanding and a bit of relief that there is someone else out there like me. I have RA, Fibromyalgia, and a damaged kidney. The month of August has been H-E-double hockey sticks. What you described is exactly how I feel sometimes. My husband works a ton and still manages to help with our two kids, do the shopping we need, and get me to the doctors. I told him recently that I would understand if he wanted a divorce, because who wants to live with a partner who is permanently ill. He responded much like Victor did and told me that I make his life better and all he ever wanted was to be with me. So I try to just remember that when things are bad.

    Thank you so much for posting this. It made me take a deep breathe and pause for a moment to remember that I’m not alone in the struggles in life. I hope your flare ups are less and less. I’m glad you have a loving family to help when it’s bad. Try not to be so hard on yourself, but I know that’s so easier said then done. *gentle hugs*

  199. Jenny- I suffer from Fibromyalgia. People don’t really ever understand what that means, unless they also have it. Reading your post- you perfectly describe how it FEELS to have a flare-up. Very moving, and glad to know that someone else out there understands what I go through as well. Thank you for posting.

  201. A very brave post and an important one. My daughter, who just started blogging, has been reading your posts and archives and reading out loud the ones that make her laugh out loud and she just has to share. So I started following you too because, quite frankly, the last year has been hell and I could use a laugh.

    Yet this reminded me that we all have those dark moments. We have to hang on through the dark days and you writing about it makes the rest of us feel we are not alone.

  202. I don’t have RA. I have a much less severe form or arthritis and, as a gift left over from sparring with leukemia, I’ve got a mean case of fibromyalgia. Whatever the cause, the dealing with it is a pain in the ass.

    But days like this aren’t the only days we have. There are good days. And yeah, things might be *easier,* but they wouldn’t be better. It can feel like it — God, can I feel like it — but too many people love you and another hojillion people think you’re literally crafted from the stuff of awesome, so hang in there.

    I’ll be looking forward to your next round of pwning Victor with a giant metal chicken or a ginormous baby elephant or something with poop larger than he is tall. But tonight and tomorrow and however many days it takes, get the rest and care you need. ‘Cause you’re definitely worth it — and I barely know you. Those closest to you know how true that is beyond what I can convey in a comment. Take care and feel better.

  204. I have PTSD and your blog (my wife make me listen when she reads it) makes me laugh, then it isn’t as painful (the PTSD, not her voice). I wish Victor was funny then you’d know what I mean…

  205. Just want to add to the chorus of love. You bring joy into this world, and it is a much better place because of you. Thank you.

  206. Your bliog has given my son and I some major full belly laughter. Thank you for what you do.
    If you follow the link below to Dr Courtney’s face book page, you will see a link to a 15 minute film he recently posted.This movie is a game changer for people living with chronic pain, folks who don’t like the side effects of pain meds. I sure do hope you find some relief.
    Best regards,
    B

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1303971270&sk=friends

  208. Thank you for telling the truth, instead of what you guess people might want to hear. I am appreciative of the fact that you exist.
    I don’t know what the opposite of appreciative is, but frustrated, disappointed, angry, hurt – none of them *quite* express my feeling when I am reminded that you live through misery, even if it is periodic. It’s Not Right, and yet, there it is. I guess one way to say it is that I wallow in that feeling of wrongness on your behalf. Willingly, because I value you; it’s awful when someone (you in this case) feels guilty that others are hurting with you [even if it’s a greatly-reduced hurt], when it’s taken on willingly.
    Whenever you’re tempted to feel that, remember what it’s like when you’re insisting to someone else that you’re glad they shared their hurt with you, and remember that’s how we feel for you.

  209. yes. i get it. i don’t know about your brain but MY brain is like a toddler. it plays in the blue water then tells me about it. i have learned that the only way to deal with it is to say “thanks for sharing but we aren’t going to play in the blue water… we are going to play over here now…” then i start doing/thinking about something else. it is a conscious effort and you have to keep after it because the moment your back is turned… BAM. it’s back throwing paper in the toilet and making a mess in the blue water. i get where you are coming from and my heart goes out to you. i hope the pain gets less and less… <3 big hugs <3

  210. Do you know just how amazing you are? Truly Jenny, as much as I love your funny posts, posts like this that show your strength and resilience just impress the hell out of me.

  211. Victor rocks!! It’s obvious we all need you for a good laugh. No one else looks at the world in the way you do and no one else could bring stuffed animals and metal chickens to life like you. Who else could get Wil to collate paper? You are irreplaceable. Feel better! Sending virtual pain relief your way in any form you prefer.

  212. Sorry for your pain, I totally understand what you are going through. I have Fibromyalgia and an Auto Immune Disease and I have spent many nights blogging about them. I hope you feel better really soon, I know where you are coming from. p.s. you not joking around is absolutely sobering. Night, Jenny. Take good care.

  213. Jenny,

    Few things in life can be as exhausting and disheartening as the onslaught of chronic, debilitating pain and finding the right way to manage it. Keep your mind focused on what you know in your heart…this will pass. It always does. It always will. It’s the time spent in between really bad and better that truly sucks. Strength to you, my friend.

  215. Quitting might be easier, but it most certainly would NOT be better. You are a ray of crazy, sarcastic, zombie Jesus-obsessed sunshine in my otherwise bleak week. Not putting pressure on you of course………. Shit. If only Nathan Fillion could make a dramatic entrance and offer a picture of himself holding twine. Although, I haven’t been able to look at him the same way after he played an evil, woman-hating priest on Buffy.

    How about I’ll just say I love you?

  216. It’s so hard to hear when others are in pain but amazingly, reading your post provides comfort that we as humans are never alone in our journey through life and the joy and pain that are a part of life. You clearly have a lot of love in your world and the perspective you have in conjunction with this love will get you through the darkness. Tomorrow will be brighter, you know it will.

  218. I’m so sorry you’re in pain, and I really admire you for sharing your deepest thoughts on the dark days. Hang in there…

  219. I just wanted to say thank you for writing this post. More than it just being a reminder for yourself, that was definitely a post that helped be a lot. It’s nice to know in life that you aren’t the only one who has feeling and experiences like that, and it’s great to hear someone overcoming it. I now have a post-it on my computer screen that says “Quitting might be easier, but it wouldn’t be better.” Thank You.
    Lynette

  220. Jenny, look at the outpouring of love and support. That is the key to winning the fight against RA. When you feel like giving up, you can look back on all of your tremendous writing and know that the world would definitely be worse off without you. Chronic pain is so debilitating that I couldn’t believe how badly it turns your world upside down. I hope you don’t have to reread your post for a very long time. To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.

  221. Sometimes being the courageous, strong woman you are isn’t enough, and that’s when love takes over and heals the part of you that needs to know how important you really are in your world. Hope you’re on the upward swing.

  222. My sister and I need to clone Victor. Seriously. Where did you ever find this man anyway? I mean, I know why she is having difficulty finding a “Victor” (her location), but I live in TEXAS dammit!! 😉

    Jenny… my heart goes out to you. I hope that knowing there are so many people in this world who value and appreciate your presence helps to give you continued strength to push through these trying times. Hope you are feeling better soon. xo

  223. My mother has RA. She started acupuncture and is doing much better (no advice, just a fact for her).

    I love you, you rock.

  225. Jenny – Do you see how many fans you have? Certainly you are loved. You make us think and you make us laugh. You will get better.

  226. Get out of my head!!
    Thank you for putting into words something I’ve felt inside for years. No RA, but nerve damage in my back that likes to “flare up”. Apparently that phrase comes from the feeling that, *maybe* if I light myself on fire with a road flare, the pain will dull down a bit..

  227. I love you.
    You’re my hero.
    You don’t give up & I won’t either. Deal?

  229. Everyone is celebrating…life passes. I do not have RA, but I have suffered serious bouts of depression and panic disorder. The life going on without me, the emotional disconnect with people and events…so crappy. But, I’m with you, Jenny. I know the dark days and the puking, pooping panic is only temporary. Breathe the next breath, life is still worth it even if it doesn’t seem possible in the moment. Misery loves company…and we can hang out for a long time, girlie.

  230. One thing you’ve inspired me with in the short time I’ve read your work is that the internet is made of people. It is, Jenny, and we’re all here, praying and thinking good thoughts over you.

    I have depression and anxiety (which makes me wonder if I will someday be a successful blogger like you!), and I know about the bad thoughts. It’s quite convincing to listen to your own insecurities when you’re screaming them at yourself.

    Listen to us instead. You’re beautiful. You’re strong. You’re hilarious. You’ll be better soon.

    Peace,

    Your friend Brian, from Popcorn Day

  231. I’m so sorry you hurt & are going thru this BUT PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do NOT let a doctor put you on Humira……i spent 9 months with TWO paralyzed hands as a side effect, as it states “numbness & tingling of limbs” is a potential risk. The treatment is worse than the disease.

  232. It may be easier for you, but you giving up won’t be easier on your family or on the rest of us poor slob readers. That’s not to say that there aren’t moments when you actually know giving up is the real answer, but I suspect you know this isn’t one of them. Besides, if you give up, who the hell is going to make me cackle like a mad woman at the office. I’ll have to go back to being normal and how boring is that? Nope. It’s not your time to give up and that is a purely selfish ( and obviously shared by many, many others) position. So there.

  235. This brought a tear to my eye- pain is no laughing matter. I know my world is a better place with you in it! Thanks for reminding me how fragile we all are. Chin up Princess and remember to breathe. This too shall pass. Smooches

  236. My daughter, who is 14, has JIA. We are currently doing pharmacological and physical therapy. She walks with a cane. I more than understand your pain.

  237. You wrote this post to remind you how much that man you married loves you, and I say that from his point of view, not yours. That love happens only once in your life. I got lucky enough to find it and so did Victor, and if he is anything like me, he would take your pain instead of you, without a moments hesitation.

  238. My dear, sweet cousin, who was more like the sister I didn’t have, had her first RA attack when she was 16. She always marched on and pushed through it, although I know there were days full of misery and pain. Those days, she relied on her parents and two sisters to help her make it to the other side of the pain. The agony of what she endured is unimaginable to me. She died, while pregnant with her first child, three years ago. It has never been said, but RA more than likely had something to do with it. I miss her dearly. Take care of yourself. What else can you do than be honest about the pain? We all love hearing from you, reading your life, and are more than happy to wait a few days while you do what you need. Wish I had something funny or witty to say to make you smile. Just know you touch so many with your honesty and perspective. Feel better.

  239. I think all of us with RA have been there more than we’d like to admit. On the flip side, yesterday I bought (and rode, for the first time in 15 years) a bike, on the promise that I’d have good days in the sunshine with my family, to balance out the grey days with the black dog.

    Hope you are feeling better in mind today, if not in body.

  240. Love and hugs to you, Jenny. I’m terrible at coming up with eloquent statements, but I still wanted you to know that even when you’re in your darkest moments and don’t necessarily realize it, you are SO loved and so important.

  243. So, I am awake at 2:23 in the morning because I am in agony and I am tired of bouncing from doctor to doctor without a diagnosis. I think your post sums up exactly where I am, and I think it was exactly what I needed to read at this very moment. Wow.

  244. All I can think of was how lost I felt when Nancy W. Kappes, paralegal passed away. Please don’t think for one second that we don’t need you. Because we do.

  245. Thank you. You just helped more than I can express. I know it’s really stupid of me but I really thought I was the only one to have these crazy thought of being a drain and maybe myy family would be better off w/o me and maybe it’s all in the head, and maybe such a faulty specimen as myself was never supposed to survive… (Don’t have RA though, I have this condition that makes me catch every chest infection conceivable and get pneumonia.)

  247. Hate that you have to go through that. Don’t know how different it was, had the juvenile one. My brain edited itself to forget those 6 weeks. Haven’t had it again for nearly 30 years, so I’m luckier than I have any right to be.

    I’m sorry, it sucks, and fuck that shitty agony. Pretend i said something really damn useful and painkilling right here. I’m talking painkilling like the really good chemicals.

  251. ((HUGS)))
    I appreciate your honesty. I do believe that we need to have these hard moments in life so that when we have gotten through the thick of it we can truly enjoy the furiously happy moments. <3

  252. Hang in there, girl. Not only have you got all of us rooting for you, but you have the most amazing husband. Rest, recuperate and come back with another bloody chicken story for us all.

  253. The world rocks and is a hell of a lot more fun with you in it. And if I feel that way as only a reader of your hilarious blog, I imagine your husband, family, and friends feel that times a million. I hope you feel better soon!

  255. It’s not remotely the same, yet in some way I think it’s analogous: on a winter night two years ago, I found myself in a gas station in the middle of Kansas, apparently looking the way I felt, which was destroyed. My sister had died. I had to get home — still hundreds of miles and several states away. I hurt to the very core of my being. I was having trouble with the simple act of paying for my lousy coffee. A complete stranger stopped me and said, “Breathe through this and trust in tomorrow.” I wish I knew what the hell that means, but I don’t. Nevertheless, it really helped (and wasn’t even completely creepy). Maybe you’ll understand and maybe it will help you too.

  256. Have lived with RA since 1978; your blog entry nailed it. Now, there are other health issues in my life and I have to laugh when I hear myself saying, “I wish I only had RA.” What kind of wish is that? If given the opportunity to operate without my body, I would jump at the chance! I would also save a bundle on clothing and food, I suppose. Hang in there and keep posting. Thanks for sharing this. As others have said, it does help to know other people go through the same thing. We are not alone, even though we often feel as if we are.

  257. Jenny, people come to your blog for the crazy, funny stuff but we stay because of posts like these. I found your blog via some roundabout connection with The Happiness Project which I’d been reading to try to gain inspiration for making some changes in my life. However, I just couldn’t connect with THP – she seemed too different to real people. (Plus she calls her husband The Big Man which disturbs me for SOOOO many reasons.And it’s boastful.) So I found your site and read through every post and every link to your other articles and it helped me through a difficult time. Your funny posts have so much more meaning because of these serious posts and you know that you have inspired and comforted more people than you know. ((hugs))

  258. I think it’s time to send Beyonce in to kick RA’s ass. He could totally do it. Beyonce loves you. And so do we. Take care!

  259. I have a few friends who suffer through pain that I don’t understand. Thank you for bringing me a step closer through your post. I’m glad you are past the pain and I have faith you will work through the depression to come out the other side bouncing again. Stand up to the dark side and scream out your worth. I want to give your husband a medal … Outstanding support!!!

  261. I know this is something you will probably never actually read but I am going to post it anyway. I have never seen such a wildly popular blog. EVAR. The first thing I ever saw of yours was Wil Wheaton collating papers and I read everything since. I found you funny and smart and so many amazing things I want to be. I joked in my blog about someday being pretty enough so you would notice me and I repost so much of your stuff my friends think I might be stalking you.
    I went back and read some of your older stuff and I cried. I shared it with my friends and they cried.
    I am so sorry for your pain. You make me cry. You are right, it might be easier but I think you are amazing. I know it doesn’t mean much when life is all pain and shit, but what you do matters. Please keep doing it. I need someone to be my hot woman blog crush.
    Oh, and keep Victor.

  262. My thing is comedy. I love making people smile and laugh with my stories and artwork because I know the positive impact of laughter on mind, body and spirit. So I’m stepping waaay outside my usual online persona to offer an uncharacteristically personal and decidedly non-humorous reply to your wonderful, heartfelt post, Jenny.

    Your post brought tears to my eyes because I know. I understand–with all my heart and soul, I do. AS (ankylosing spondylitis) is related to RA. It creates godawful pain and systemic inflammation. It also causes bone fusion. It’s depressing and frightening to think of losing my independence, and to see my body twist and bend and become old before its time.

    About twice a year I throw myself a whiny, maudlin pity party and I let myself cry–I mean an ugly, blubbery, snotty cry. I make bargains with God. I ask why me. I bitch and swear. Once I’m cried out, totally spent, I remind myself that I am a survivor and I’ll be goddamned if I’ll let this shit, or anything else life throws my way, get the best of me. Pain is just a roadblock it’s not my destination.

    Jenny, Kira and everyone else here–you are stronger than you realize. You are worthy and you count. You have skills, talents and gifts. You have a purpose. You are here in this life, in this world to make a difference–and you do! We all matter. We all count. Each of us is here for a reason that no one else can fulfill. None of us is insignificant. Each and every damn one of us is truly special. And the world would NOT be better off if any one of us were no longer here.

    My younger sister took her own life when she was in her 30s. Years later, the pain and heartbreak is still beyond words for the rest of us she left behind. When I watch a sunrise or sunset I think about how my little sister will never see those again; about how very much she has missed and will continue to miss by not being here. She missed out on the internet, on email, on cell phones. My God…if only she had waited, how her world would have opened and changed! But that won’t ever happen. I am deprived of the sound of my sister’s laughter, her corny jokes, our long phone chats. Her children are deprived of their mother. Her husband is a broken man.

    There is always, ALWAYS light at the end of the tunnel. No matter how hopeless, how bleak, how agonizing, it WILL get better, things WILL improve, and you need to be here to experience those wonderful, joyful up times because you deserve it. I can’t tell my sister those words anymore…but I can tell all of you. I care. Stay here. Please.

  263. Hang in there, Jenny. It’s heartbreaking to read of so much pain here but at least there is a circle of comfort that seems to be swallowing everyone up. Pain is never easy but do what you must to get through it and those that love you may tire but I’m sure they wouldn’t trade their position so close to you. Prayers for you.

  264. Thank you. Not the same hell that you’ve been going through, but after a month of broken feet (two of them) and crutches it was determined that nope, not healing. So now in a wheelchair. Which doesn’t fit places. Like the bedroom. Or the bathroom. And even though people keep reminding me that bones heal, the fact that my bones just haven’t been mending themselves has been making me various flavors of depressed, lonely and stir crazy. And odds are high that I’ll keep feeling this way, trapped in the house, for at least another month. And your post today – more than all the “bones heel, it won’t be forever” friends have been say – made me feel that what I’m feeling is normal. And that makes me feel like maybe I will be okay. So thank you.

  265. ” Maybe easier – but not better.”
    A lovely way to say: “From the bottom of my heart – I love you.”

  266. Crohns goes much the same way for me. The first, savagely acute stage of a flare is really the easiest bit to cope with. The months of getting-it-under-control are harder, and harder still is recovering my pre-flare self – usually just in time for another flare. Good thoughts to you.

  267. First time commenter – just wanted to add my support and also to point you in the direction of a friends blog
    Lene has similar problems and blogs about it daily – you may already have found her but just in case you haven’t here she is
    http://theseatedview.blogspot.com/
    Hugs and mojo for a quick return to a pain free state

  268. Wow. I’m lying in bed waiting until its time to take my pain meds and reading this post. I have pain everyday and had to stop work 2 years ago. Everyday is a struggle against the black thoughts. I often feel the same as you about being a burden. I never go to my daughters sports events or anywhere too far from home. Yet my husband smiles and says the same, that they need and love me and I’m so grateful. Bless you, we all love you too. 🙂

  269. I’m so sorry your going through this. I wish you the very best recovery and Victor sounds like the perfect partner to have when this is going on.

    It will get better and life will be funny again. Until then, breathe, find other funny things (internet is good for this) and borrow other people’s humour until you can find your own again. Overall I really hope that you can see the future easily, the part that’s not full of pain but rather full of creepy monkeys and giant metal chickens and know that there is way out of this. I don’t know much about RA, but I do know depression very well and it sucks especially when you get stuck in a rut and think there’s no way out. Breathe. Believe. Love and live.

    Hope you feel better soon.

  270. That “broken glass inside my joints” feeling, and the accompanying handicaps on movement and logical thinking skills, are enough to make Mother Teresa weep. And you’re just like her, only better. You are, in fact, rock hard [even if the rock is in tiny pieces right now].
    If you can laugh without dying, get your Schadenfreude on and watch videos of people falling over and stuff – I know one oughtn’t to feel better after that sort of thing, but I usually do.

  271. Oh Jenny. My heart cries for you. I simply can’t imagine having to deal with that much pain. It may be hard to do at a time like this, but try to keep in mind the many blessings that make your life worth living, not the least of which are a beautiful daughter and wonderful husband who clearly love you. Thank you for sharing your doubts, I think that it helps a lot of people know that they are not alone.

  272. I have systemic disease, and had to make a trip to the hospital on Thursday. On the way there, something in someone’s yard caught my eye. I looked over, and there was a giant metal chicken.

    On the way home, riding down a rural highway, we passed a landscaping business that sold lawn ornaments. Lo and behold, countless giant metal chickens on the side of the road.

    Tell Beyonce and her cronies to stop stalking me.

    And please get well soon my dear. <3

  275. I hope others will read this post and gain the courage they need in their own dark hours. Thanks for your gripping honesty.

  276. I am sitting here this morning crying my eyes out because a week ago, literary, my husband was in that dark place that you are in for his severe back pain. I was able to stop him time before he did anything, thank goodness, and he is now some place safe getting the help he needs but it keeps running through my head what if… God bless you both for the pain you live hrough. It kills me seeing him hurt that way and knowing there is nothing I can do for him. Please know how many lives you touch on a daily basis for just being Jenny. And none of us would be the same without you in it. Please take care Jenny. And when you are feeling up to it give Victor and Hailey hugs for me.

  277. You are amazing and your blog makes my days brighter. I’m sorry you are in a bad place and wish I could take some of your pain away. Keep fighting, it’s worth it.

  279. Hang in there sweetie. You have a ton of healing, comforting vibes coming your way. Wish I could deliver them in person.

  281. I love Victor almost as much as I love you! I can so relate to all that you have written and I don’t have RA as an excuse. I hope one day I have the courage to write about the similar lies my brain tells me, and about the far too many days I sit and listen. And the affect that has on my beautiful, loving and forgiving family. Get well and rest in Victor’s love and compassion.
    Nicole x

  283. Hi Jenny, I hope you feel better soon. For what it’s worth you’ve brought me joy on many occasions and I look forward to many more!

  284. And this, you amazing talented wench, is why you are The Bloggess. Rapier and clinical and brutal and honest – therapy at its best. (Bet you helped a heap of others who suffer as you do, just with this single post).
    Gentle hugs from afar,
    🙂
    BB

  285. Dearest Jenny,
    I’ve just read this post and I am in tears. I too suffer from chronic pain that won’t go away despite my young age and ability. My sister, who is a physical therapist, has been trying to help me for years to no avail. But, I did want to let you know that I bought her the best birthday card ever….we were both huge fans of the Beyonce the Chicken post. So, for her 30th birthday, I bought her a Beyonce “Knock Knock Motherfucker” card. Inside, I wrote, “Happy Birthday! 30 Years is Big Metal Chickens!” We Hee-Hawed for many many minutes, tears streaming down our faces. I know you’re in pain, but just know that you’ve made two lives better and a lot more humorous just from your existence. Stay strong!
    P.s. “Douchecanoe” is my new favorite word.

  286. im really sorry you have to go through this. I won’t say that I can imagine what it feels like, because I really can’t. I can imagine the little lies your brain tells you though, I guess we all have those from time to time.
    Just remember that if people really would be happier without you, they wouldn’t be there for you. People are way to egoistic to hang around people they don’t like 😉 That sounds a bit jaded, but I find it to be true.

    I can’t help you get through these horrible moments, but I can tell you that every time you post, it makes me smile. It also makes me laugh out loud a lot and share it with other people to make them laugh aswell. You really have a gift and I’m glad you share it with us. I only wish I could write something to make you smile now, but I’m not that gifted.
    I’ll just try to send some good vibes your way, and hopefully, you’ll feel yourself again soon.

  287. Thank God for the NEXT day!!! I have suffered with migraines for almost 20 years. I LOVE …….NEXT DAYS!!

    Thanks for this site as well. I love WORDS more than NEXT DAYS!! T:)

  288. Chronic pain sucks. I have a seriously jacked up knee. 3 surgeries in less than two years and all my surgeon can offer me at this point is lots of narcotics and a grim future. (Knee replacement wont’ fix this mess) The pain is unrelenting. I know all about going into the bathroom to cry. I feel guilty that my teenage sons have to prepare and deliver meals to my bed because I just cannot stand on my leg for another minute. I feel guilty that the most of their life has been spent watching their mother battle chronic pain… and not just achy, sore pain. I mean pain that takes my breath away. I know they worry about me at a time when their lives should be carefree. They have said they wish I could be pain free for my sake, not theirs, that I bring so many positive things to their lives that they are willing to overlook the times I curl into a fetal position and whimper. Seriously, while I would not wish chronic pain on anyone, especially a mom, I think my boys have gained from this. They are kind, compassionate, giving, nurturing young men. They think about the needs of others. They have also learned from my tenacity through all this. They know when it gets hard, you push through. They have learned it is okay to ask for help when you need it. They have learned that there are wonderful people in the world who are willing to help. (Those last two were also big lessons I had to learn.)

  289. As a pain sufferer, I know the demons that follow you around on those bad days. I tell myself that I could just be so happy if the pain could be “cured”. Knowing I won’t be able to coach my daughters’ team sports, go to amusement parks, go camping wiht them, etc., kills me. I can live a limited life, but I hate that I hold my family back. Try to focus on the things you can do and the funny, caring woman you are. Your post helped me feel a little less alone. Thank you!

  290. I can’t say I know exactly how you feel, but I’m sympathetic because I have had arthritis (or what doctor’s though was arthritis) when I was younger. Three finger joints would balloon up, as well as my right knee and ankle. Mercifully, it only lasted a year, but my memory of it is 30 years fresh.

    What I do have to contend with now is chronic ear pain. Again, I’ve been saved because it’s only brutally painful when I lay down to sleep or rest on the couch. The weight of my head pressing against each ear makes it hurt like the devil, knives shooting in either side. I’ve always said that if I had that kind of pain during the day, I would be on disability. But I’m grateful it only happens when my head is on a pillow, because it means I can remain gainfully employed and not cry all day long.

    My husband may know that I’m in pain, he can see it on my face, but i don’t talk about it. I know what you mean about feeling like a drain. He doesn’t ask “Ears?” anymore because he knows the answer and I’m sick of saying “Yes.” So I live with it and thank God I can walk, my brain works most of the time and I suppose there are worse things in life. That is how I cope.

    I feel for you. I really do.

  291. My 3-year-old daughter has JRA and my husband has psoriatic arthritis…his flare ups are epic. I’ve spoken the same words as Victor…yes, it would be easier (maybe) but I would be miserable. My wonderfully flawed, scared and handicapped family has sculpted and molded me into a better person, wife and mom. Never have I felt more blessed and loved than I do when we’re coming out of the dark. Because that’s where we’re at sometimes too.

  292. God, I am so with you. I just recently suffered a horrible, terrible loss and I am so depressed about it that I don’t even want to be around myself. My only hope is that the depression and pain will sit beside me instead of being the first thing I have to wade through on the way to the bathroom in the morning.

    I imagine that the grief over your own health feels the same way.

  293. I heart Victor. And he’s right. My life is definitely better with your blog in it, infirmity be damned. Get better.

  295. 20 points to Victor. And a gazillion points to you, pookie. Especially if you do read this post again during the next dark phase and it helps. Or if we’re playing darts and you accidentally hit a taxidermied animal instead of the board. Either way.

  296. To quote one of my favorite smart-asses (Olympia Dukakis in Steel Magnolias)…”that which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger”.

    I’m so sorry you suffer like this, and hope you’re feeling like yourself again soon! <3

  297. Hope you feel better soon…and what an awesome husband. My close friend has the same condition. It never ceases to shock her, the impact it can have on her everyday life.
    Best,
    Tina

  299. Just be good to yourself. My mom has rheumatoid arthritis, it’s been disgustingly humid in Phoenix this summer and she’s been miserable much of the time as a result. It’s horribly depressing for her, too. You’re not a drain, it’s not all in your head, no one would be better off if you weren’t around (I’d be much worse off and I don’t even know you), and bad shit frequently happens to people who really, really don’t deserve it. None of that is helpful right at this moment, I know. Do keep breathing. We’ll breathe with you.

  300. So sorry about the RA. Since I was a wild man when younger, there are very few joints of mine that aren’t CATFU’d (completely and totally fucked up). However, in the late 70’s, a wacky neighbor, a conspiracy theorist, showed me an article about arthritis by a guy named Dale Alexander, the author of “Arthritis and Common Sense.” It seemed hooky but I had a friend try it. Too chicken to try it myself, you see. Three months later it worked. He lived and he is arthritis free thirty years later. In fact, my wife and I have given the article to many people. All were helped. I take it now, have to so I can play tennis. CLO is what I call it, but cod liver oil is the secret. Just a tablespoon. I take a swig at night before I go to bed. If you can stick with it, you will have great results. You will have to take it every day—forever. Go cherry flavored if you have a sensitive gag reflex.

  301. Jenny, as someone who has fought depression off and on for years, I can say two things with certainty:

    1. It WILL get better.

    2. Your brain is not always on your side — don’t listen to it!

    But you know both these things. I’m glad you wrote this post, and I love your blog.

    xoxoxo

  303. I have a disorder that and, while it doesn’t cause pain, it does have the symptoms you are experiencing. I know how crippling depression can be, and I know how easy it is to go to “the bad place” in your head that tells you to just take the step and relieve your family of the inconvenience of having to care for you. I also know the dread of not knowing when another attack will come, and the debilitating pain (though mine is emotional).

    I have a slight knowledge of what you are going through and I want you to know I love you, sympathize with you, and would be lost without you because you are one of the funniest people I know and you have gotten me through days that would have been miserable without your giant metal chickens.

    Take care of yourself.

  304. Oh Jenny, I wish I could take it away for you, if even just a day. Those of us with chronic illness understand every word you’ve typed.
    When first diagnosed w/ MS, I remember wtching my Hubby playing with our daughter and thinking, “they’d be just fine without me. I don’t need to be a burden on them.”
    Depression can be such an evil bitch, putting those thoughts in our heads.
    One day at a time girlie. YOU make this world a better place by being here and we love you and look up to you and we’re so very proud

  305. Pain and suffering is not ridiculous and depression is a logical consequence. If we the internets only cared about you when you are feeling great and cheerful then we wouldn’t be worth having.

    Sending you super strong healing thoughts (and I’m a nurse, so mine count more) and gratitude for your courage to be real.

  306. Jenny, I recently found your blog through a tweet from Cakewrecks (yes, it was the Beyonce post) and immediately put it on my RSS feed. My colleagues began to wonder what I was finding on the Internet that could possibly be so funny (I didn’t say anything — my colleagues are not as whacked as I am). Your post this morning was something of a shock, but it only deepened my respect and admiration for your courage and honesty. There’s nothing else I can add to what has already been said — I only hope that our wishes and prayers help in some way, because you do matter to us.

  308. Thank you for writing your feelings. Healing energy coming your way, and hoping you are getting the rest you need. You are an amazing woman that has touched so many lives. Thank you for the humor that brightens my day, and thank you for being honest on your bad days. You have to be real to yourself and your audience – much gratitude and appreciation for all you write. Thank you. Anytime you would like Reiki, please ask, and I will send loving energy your way.

  309. Do not listen to your brain and try your best to get through this flare. I know it’s hard my dad has suffered with this for many years. Hopefully the end of this round is in sight

  310. I have an episodic chronic illness that leaves me feeling much the same way. It can be hard to keep sight of exactly what you articulate — that the emotional effects of a disease are just that, part of the disease. I hope that this flare passes soon and the next one is long in coming.

    BTW, my family was coming home from a vacation to the beach and we passed a shop that sold recycled metal art. We had to stop to get a photo of the 2-story-tall metal rooster, it reminded me so much of your recent post.

  312. I am glad you wrote that post. Many of your readers are like me. We are experiencing pain and although we come here for a laugh, it feels good to see you are like us. I am not experiencing the same kind of pain as you, but for some strange reason hearing that other people suffer makes me feel less alone in my experience. Kind of morbid, but true.

    Yesterday I had a horrible day. I blogged about it, because I wanted people to comment. I needed to feel less alone. I truly hope you have a better day today.

  315. Thursday morning I tried to wake my husband up and I couldn’t because he had taken 60 Xanax the night before. He has survived, but he let the voices in his brain and the deep depression seduce him into the lies that it will be easier and better. But here’s the thing, it’s not easier or better for those of us left in it’s aftermath. It’s a hell of a LOT WORSE and HARDER on those of us left standing. So before you or anyone else starts believing the lies, think about the survivors, the people who love you who will have to pick up the pieces whether you succeed or not. Life from the other side is anything but easier or better.
    I’m sorry you are in pain. I appreciate your honesty in your thoughts and I can’t imagine the physical pain you are going through. I know it must wear you down. And I understand why you would consider the absence of pain a good thing, but to take the pain away is also taking the life away – a life that brings joy to so many people. You can’t do one without the other. I haven’t read all 300 comments, but I’m sure you have connected with someone even in this post that says “damn, that woman knows just where I am.” My thoughts and prayers are with you and I wish you a speedy recovery so you will be back soon bringing a smile to all of us. Hang in there Jenny. Life will get good again. And until then, if you have to, don’t worry about taking one day at a time, but just take one minute at a time. When you get 60 of those down, then it will be an hour. You can do a minute or an hour. Sorry for the book.

  316. Dear Jenny,
    the worst thing about pain is that it is invisible. no one else can grasp what or where you are at, and if you are like me, when the pain is gone, you are left thinking, was that such a big deal?
    thanks for writing about this in your life. we your readers love all of you, your beyonce parts and your RA parts alike. you are a whole human being. when i got (?received) a malignant brain tumor 10 years ago, i had no idea what would happen. i lost a lot of myself just staying alive. i still haven’t determined if it was a curse or a blessing because it turned my life around. i’m very aware of the suffering of others now – and i was quite the self-absorbed bitch before. well, i still am. pain has a way of pulling you away from others.
    i just want to say that what people are saying is true. you get stronger because what doesn’t kill us just pisses us off enough to want to live longer. and if we have our way, you would be here on the interwebz for all time. <3

  318. Having had my own sorts of dark moments where my husband has been a light, I commend Victor for putting it so well. We’re all here thinking happy thoughts that you get feeling right as rain very soon.

  319. I suffer from RA, too, and absolutely feel your pain my friend! It DOES get better. Give Victor a big hug from me, because a man that can say the exact right thing at the exact right time is priceless. I hope that you’re feeling yourself again, soon, because you make MY life better.

  322. Dear Bloggess, you are amazing. Your writing style rocks, the humor in incredible and all this while you battle RA. I really enjoy following you and was sorry to hear about the flare up. On the bright side I wanted to share with you that my mom is now in a medical study that seems to have some promise. Mom has been very damaged my RA over the last 20 – 30 years. Her hands are virtually non functional, surgery on her feet, knee replacement and then there is all that pain. I have always been so proud of her for efforts to continue without giving in, finding new ways to do things and trying to maintain her independance. Now after all that background the RA doc that she sees is involved in drug testing. He was able to get her into a study. Amazingly not only did she get the real drug but within 4 weeks she was pain free. She started to get more energy and was returning to the world of the living. She has always had lung issues and gets every bug possible. So of course she got a cold that quickly took over and she needed to be treated with IV antibiotics and the booted her off of the study. I was crushed she was devistated and then had to experience the rapid decline back into active RA. They had to wait until all of the study medication had left her system before putting her back on any other RA meds. The doctor assured me that he would do the best he could to get her onto another study but that was little comfort watching Mom spiral back into pain and fatique. After a long 12 weeks we went back to the Doc and he was able to get her into a second study and that med worked. Not quite as well as the first but she is again pain free. Now after all the background my point is this two different meds on the horizon. They each work in a different way, so there is hope that they will kick this RA thing. Wow, that was a lot of words to say hang in there girl I know they will figure this out and help people like you getting back to the business of humor.

  323. Been staring at the screen wishing I could think of something helpful, inspiring, interesting… but no.

    Just: thanks for this- you’ve done a lot for so many people, and being brave enough to share this stuff is part of that.

    It’s easy when you get wrapped up in your own problems to forget that the smart, funny, pretty, interesting, happy people also have times like this, that it’s not all sunshine and giant chickens every day, for anyone. It’s terrible that you’re going through such horrible pain, our hearts go out to you.

    But thank you for sharing, it helps when things get dark on this side of the Magic Glowy Box.

  324. i can’t think of anything that has not been already said to you here…i’m just saying all that again. we love you. we’re here for you…

  325. My mom suffered for years with RA before she was correctly diagnosed and all amidst battling breast cancer and a nasty divorce from my father. I still remember waking up before school to help her get dressed in the morning because she couldn’t put her own shirt on. And still she managed to work full time and get me and my little brother through the tumult of high school. Though it was hard for her to hide the pain she was in and though we were all supportive when she decided to seek counseling I’m ashamed to admit that until reading this post I never truly stopped long enough to think about the real pain and depression she must have went through during that time.

    Thinking back on it now it was around then my mother started to talk about “putting it out there,” “it” being positive energy. There is certainly something to be said for reinforcing a healthy attitude – mind over matter and all that – and while it’s not always easy it does usually help. My mother still credits her remission large in part to positive thinking and a strong net of caring friends and family (and maybe the massive amounts of drugs helped a little too). She’s been in remission from the breast cancer for going on three years now and though she still has occasional flares she’s been largely healthy and active and off(!) meds for the RA for about a year now.

    There is a silver lining, dear, even if it’s hard to find sometimes. See!? …the very worst part of this is you come out sounding like a Hallmark card.

    p.s. I will be calling my mommy immediately after posting this to tell her I love her.

  327. I’m new to your blog and have no idea what kind of therapy/research you’ve already done, but you might consider looking into gluten. I put two autoimmune diseases into complete remission by giving up gluten. I was so encouraged I next gave up dairy (even better), and the final piece was to stop eating nightshades. If you haven’t already explored these avenues, it might be worth a try. Living in pain is no way to live–it colors everything.

  328. I’ve been having my own dark thoughts this week – my last post was also about trying to get through those times. I felt so nervous posting it, but you’re right. That perspective when you’re feeling better is a great thing.

    Life isn’t all pain, all the time. The pain does its best to make us forget all the wonderful things, but they are still there. It’s a cycle, and you just have to get to the top of it again and stay there as long as possible. An annoying balancing act, but so much better than the alternative. *hugs*

  330. Hope is what we cling to during the darkest days-but it’s a slippery grip. I visit here for laughs, inspiration, and a dose of life’s trials, like you’ve shared here. Pain, the kind that stays with you until you forget what feeling “normal” is, is brutal and relentless, yet you somehow always manage to not let it grab all of you. My heart goes out to you and your tireless caregivers…this too shall pass…just never soon enough. With love and prayers, dear Jenny

  331. I’m just some guy in Granville, OH who finds your blogs disturbing, engaging, frightening, funny, and a must-read. Your gifts to me – the the world – are many, and I hope to pay some of them forward. Feel better soon, and keep chasing joy.
    Best,
    Scott Gowans

  332. Jenny, I’m sure you are sick of people trying to cure you and recommending that you take some bizarre herbal weed or go for weird therapy in tibet or something, but I can’t read this and not recommend the book “Ultrametabolism” by Dr. Mark Hyman. I believe he talks specifically about your issue. I would look it up right now, but I keep buying the book and then lending it out and never get it back. If you send me your address, I will just send one to you!!!
    He’s not a psycho, but a real doctor.
    Not a witch doctor.
    His first name isn’t doctor.

  333. I’m sorry that you’ve been in so much pain. I understand the depression and feeling like you’re a drain on other people. Been there. I hope you feel better soon… That your mind and body give you a break as soon as possible. Love.

  334. Brave & kind of you to share this dark patch. Though I can’t relate to the physical part, the suffocating mental process is familiar. In your case it’s natural after all your body’s been through past days ….. so hang in there!

  336. I hate that you hurt like that. Rheumatoid arthritis is an asshole. Please hang in there. You’re the funniest person on the Internet … and I hear that the Internet has, like, a bunch of people on it. So, you know. That.

  337. Damn.
    Jenny, I love your blog because you are irreverent, funny, and so honestly real, and I only wish that I could offer you the same colorful and humorous distraction that you offer us in every post.
    I am sure your family feels the same distress that your readers do, that we are incapable of relieving your pain. I hope you know that even in the midst of your sleepless nights and drug-induced stupors, that we love you and lift you up in prayer.

  338. My mother had RA starting in her late 20’s and I started taking care of her when I was about 10 years old. I saw those dark painful days and please know that my heart goes out to you. I hope that medicine has advanced since those days and that you have relief. You are a strong woman and as I get to know you more and more via your blog and twitter, I like you more and more! Hugs to you.

  339. You bring us so much joy and amusement, the world is a better place with you in it.

    In addition to regular medicine, I recommend ginger (I keep candied ginger around for anytime my stomach is cranky). Boericke & Tafel have an arthritis cream that does wonders for my knees: http://www.triflora.org/.

    Good luck!

  340. Jenny,

    My heart goes out to you. Hold on, girl! Look at all the people who luuurrrrvvveee you!

  341. I love your insane stories about chickens and James Garfield but the reason I keep coming back is posts like this. Even in your greatest pain you are able to bring hope and acceptance to others. That’s why I’ll continue to be a loyal member of your reading community because you’re seriously awesome and my life is better when I visit your blog.

  342. I’m so sorry you have to go through this. One of my closest friends has RA and she had to go through several different combinations of treatments until she found one that worked for her, and what worked seemed to change over time. I wonder if your doctors are doing enough? One of my kids had weird allergy and the other had an immune disorder and with both, I found out that no doctor or hospital tried as hard as I wanted to find answers. They issued meds and platitudes and sent you on your way. Is there any research out there about what triggers the flares? It sounds like you have a great support system, but we just want more for you in terms of the medical side and reducing the severity and frequency of the flares.

  345. If you are as rich as Rush Limpballs or Glen Beck, get a script for Enbrel. Back when I had good health insurance I was able to get it prescribed and it fucking worked a treat for my RA. It cost $1200 a shot. No shit. Its an injected med. When the patent ran out the manufacturer changed the packaging/delivery system and was granted a patent extension so it cannot yet be manufactured generically. Way to go free market. We’re number one!!! The US has the world’s best medical system, if your a multimillionaire. Sorry about the grumpy old man tone but I’m at the ass end of a flare-up myself.

  347. I do not have RA but I do have some crazy fucked up long term pain issues that make me feel similarly desperate and exhausted and cause me to cry on the floor next to my desk because I have to force myself to sit at it and type things to make money. The ONLY thing that keeps me going through those times is knowing that it will pass. But I didn’t always know that. I had to find some help first. Thank God I did.

  348. From the immortal words of Jack Twist from Brokeback Mountain, “I wish I knew how to quit you.”

    Or…his less memorable quote, “Do I look like I can afford a fuckin’ ropin’ horse?”

    My favorite, “You know what, friend? This is a goddamn bitch of an unsatisfactory situation.”

    Feel better, Jenny.

  349. Oh, Jenny. I just wrote a very similar post, except about the path of my Depression. I can’t imagine the physical pain you must battle, but I think I understand the emotional pain. The exhaustion. The heartache. I’m glad you posted this. Youa re so wise and so strong. Such an inspiration. Thank you. Wishing you strength and peace. xoxo

  350. No…quitting would most definitely not be better. I saw your tweet that life is looking brighter today and I’m so happy for you. Big hugs.

  351. I have MS and completely empathize with your thoughts. I also can relate to the post steroid side effects…. ugh. I try and remind myself things like “Well at least I live in an age when I can get the right meds” or “at least I was diagnosed early”. I really do hope you feel better!

  352. I tried to read the comments but I need to not be a blubbering mess today. Thank you for this, Jenny. I’ve got a chronic pain condition that’s “just pain.” But there’s so much more to cp than people know–anxiety, guilt, brain-fog, anger, denial, FATIGUE… Only my husband really gets that, and frankly, I’m glad and I hope those that don’t will never find out. Two things help me on shitty days: humor and horror. And you’re my go-to for the first. THANK YOU for opening up like this, but also for not letting your pain define you. It’s a huge encouragement for so many people.

  353. It wouldn’t be easier or better for the rest of us without you. Thanks for staying in the fight and for brightening our world with your wit and humanity. You’ve gotta kick at the darkness ’til it bleeds daylight.

  354. Thank you, jenny for posting this today. This week i’m suffering from a very dark recurrence of depression, andi am in aplace i haven’t visited for 12 years and hoped to never visit again. I’ve consulted with my doc and am waiting Hopefully for the meds to kick in… But until they do (if they do) i’m trapped in the dark, fighting so hard to remember that it WILL got better. My husband has never seen me like this and is so supportive, but it kills me to put him through this, too. Your post put into words everything i’ve been going through and may have to go through for another month. Thank you for taking me out of my head for a moment and showing me i am not alone. I pray we both are back to our real selves soon.

  356. I became a fan two weeks ago after reading about Beyonce and have spent every day since then talking about your blog and how much it makes me smile. Reading this post made me realize how great you are even more than I already had. A few friends have been there, not because of rheumatoid arthritis but because of prior relationships and the drain those can put on people and inadvertently their friends. What Victor said to you and how you used it to end this post is beautiful. Jenny, you must keep on writing because you are an inspiration to those of us who enjoy sarcastic, witty, and down right crazy humor. Thank you for keeping it real today and reminding us that easier doesn’t equate to better.

  357. Thanks for writing this. As a woman with Crohn’s Disease, and being allergic to all medications to treat it, my life goes through similar waves. Always asking myself when it’s going to happen again, for how long, where is it going to happen at???? You are not alone, and quitting won’t solve anything! Well written blog!!!

  358. You so often make me laugh, yet today you made me cry. It was as though you had written exactly my thoughts. I stuggle with fibromyalgia, epilepsy, os arthritis and depression. I had said the same thing to my husband. He is also amazing and doesn’t want to hear of living without me. Victor also put his thought into words. Please know that you not only help others on your good days, you help others on your most difficult of days. Thank you

  359. I’m glad from your twitter posts that you’re feeling better now. Victor’s a pretty good guy, don’t you think? There aren’t many who would embrace you, giant chickens, dead animals and all.

    Keep on going Jenny and feeling stronger each day.

  360. I have chronic migraine desease and much of what you feel I can relate to. In some strange way it is good to know I’m not the only one thinking and feeling these things and at the same time I wouldn’t want anyone to go through that. Hang in there, I’m right there with you.

  361. Have you had a sleep study yet? Google “arthritis and sleep apnea” — I just found this at doctorstevenpark dot com:

    “Various studies have shown that around 50% of all people with RA have obstructive sleep apnea, which is a very high number.
    We know that one of the major effects of sleep apnea is systemic inflammation, with significant measured increased in markers such as CRP, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF, amongst many others. The physiologic stress response that’s created in obstructive sleep apnea can activate your immune system, making it hypersensitive or over-react to normal situations. ”

    Before I started using my CPAP respirator to treat my sleep apnea, I was in a lot of pain all the time and couldn’t roll over in bed without moaning and tears. A few weeks after starting treatment, almost all the pain was gone. Now I can manage with just the prescription dose of ibuprofen.

    Also please look into Maharishi Ayurveda and see if you can get appointments with Nancy Lonsdorf (www dot drnancylonsdorf dot com) or Kumuda Reddy (www dot samhita dot com). Both are medical doctors who are experts in Maharishi Ayurveda. Dr. Lonsdorf is the author of “The Ageless Woman” and “A Woman’s Best Medicine.” Dr. Reddy is the author of a number of books, including “Living Life Free from Pain: Treating Arthritis, Joint Pain, Muscle Pain and Fibromyalgia with Maharishi Ayurveda.” Ayurveda is the traditional medical system of India. It has a very comprehensive and sophisticated paradigm that describes how disease originates and how to diagnose and treat it. Maharishi Ayurveda is the revived form of ayurveda, restored to its full potential.

    You deserve a lot of praise for not letting your mind attack you at the same time your immune system is attacking you. I send you love and very, very gentle hugs.

  362. Hi Jenny,

    I am a big fan of your blog. My sister suffered rheumatic arthritis and found some doctors in Boston that really helped her a lot. If your interested contact me.

    <3

  363. You probably wont even read this since I am post number one million and twenty four. But I just wanted to say that I unfortunately know literally exactly what you are feeling.

    “Today, as Victor drove me home so I could rest, I told him that sometimes I felt like his life would be easier without me.” This is definitely something that I find myself saying to my husband at dark moments and it’s not pretty. No one knows what this disease is like until you or your loved one suffers from it and it is suffering. A side effect of my RA is a sulfite allergy. If I eat anything with preservatives in it or natural sulfites like garlic, onion, cheese, vinegar, WINE…within 4 hours my joints swell and I can’t walk. Sucky.

    Are you on biologics? Oldman is grumpy and he has a right to be but if you can afford it…Recently started Enbrel and it has changed my life. I am on this 6 month free plan and its about to expire, so I will soon be selling furniture and parts of my body to pay for my shots.

    Hang in there. You are a gifted writer and humourist. I find that humor is medicine for me and it gets me through the madness of a day. I wish you all the best.
    Heather Moran

  364. Knowing that ‘this too shall pass’ helps. You are such a young wisewoman to realize that. Thinking good, positive thoughts for you and hoping that you will emerge from this episode very, very soon. You are a goddess.

  366. We love you too much Jenny. My fiancee suffers from depression and when he’s going through one of those phases I tell him something that I’m going to tell you(modified slightly): If you gave in to all those little lies, our world would be a darker place. You are a light in our lives. You brighten it up so very much and never fail to remind me that no matter how stressful and complicated life can be, theres something to laugh at. When the darkness is crowding in on you, remember and cling to that light.

  367. Pain is the worst, physical or emotional. When you are in it, you can’t imagine it will end. When you are out of it, you can’t imagine it was real.

  368. You brighten so many people’s lives with your words and your humor. This world would most certainly be a sadder place without you in it.

  369. Love you, Jen.
    If you did nothing more in your life than bringing Beyonce to the world at large, that would be enough. I have six real chickens and they would be so happy to have a Beyonce. I’m dtermined to get one. For them. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

    Victor is a prince of a fellow. He almost deserves you.

  371. GOD, Jenny-I totally get it! Your honesty really makes me feel better about interrupting my ususal banter-heavy posts to feel sorry for myself about what later turned out to be Fibromyalgia (I posted it above).

    Just so you know: You are my personal hero in ways you can’t even imagine. You remind me it really is OK to be myself, and maybe people (other crazy people?) will love me anyway. And you remind me I just have this one, precious life to live and I better express myself and have fun, cause I might never get another chance.

    Love,
    Tara

  372. The fucking website killed my first comment so now I am writing a pissier comment.

    Thanks God for your honesty. I interrupted my usual banter-heavy writing to post about what later turned out to be Fibromyalgia in April, and doing it made me feel naked and afraid. I’m so grateful to read your similar thoughts….

    Just so you know: You’re my hero. You remind me that if I was as honest as I wanted to be, there would still be people who liked me, even if only on the Internet. If there was no one like you out there, I spend all my self-expression trying to be more like I think everyone else is and slowly die inside.

    Thanks!

  373. i love that you posted this… your honesty and transparency is rad. when you’re honest about your shit, it frees others to be honest about theirs. and we’ve all got something. i’m sorry about yours & sending well wishes.

  374. Holy hell, Jenny, I’m comment #332….look how many people’s lives are better because of you!

    Like so many other of your readers, I want to send you love and light and tell you that your blog has made my life better. But because I’ve been in those dark places of depression, I know that, at least for me, the things other people think or feel aren’t always enough to bring me out of the state I’m in. So, I’ve been trying to think of what else to say to help you through until it does get better, and I keep coming back to this extraordinary and totally random moment I had a little while ago. Here goes….

    Two weeks ago, I was facing a day that filled me with anxiety and self-doubt and fear. As I was laying in bed, trying to muster the energy to get up and face it, my oldest son came in and lay down next to me. He’s seven, and full of energy, smart, and wild…he’s loving, but not a snuggly, lovey kid by any stretch. He was laying face-to-face with me; he reached up and with two fingers made a design on my forehead. “There,” he said, “that’s the symbol for bravery, craziness, or {something else… at this point I was so blown away by the moment that I couldn’t even hear the third option.} Which one do you think it is?” I thought for a minute…should I claim the one I wanted it to be? Did he have something in mind for this little game we’d never played before? “You tell me,” I said. He paused for a second. Honestly, I was waiting for craziness, or chicken-eyes, or whatever that third option could have been. But he smiled, and said “Bravery.”

    All day long I walked around with the symbol of bravery upon me, and it has become my mantra as I continue to fight off the dark feelings you’ve described so beautifully. It’s such a seven-year-old kind of word; it makes me think of knights or superheroes, of a strength that I never really considered that I might have. I was trying to think about a way to blog about it, but instead I think I’ll pass this on directly to you, one of my blogging inspirations. The symbol of bravery.

    Sending you courage, Jenny. Strength. Bravery.

  379. I’m 10 months into this whole cancer journey and on some of the darker days I’ve had thoughts like if I hadn’t survived the surgery everyone would be less burdened by me. I think anyone with a long-term or chronic illness has those same thoughts. Hang in there. The world would be a sadder place without you. I hope you’re feeling better today. (((hugs)))

  380. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. We come here, not only to laugh, but to feel the sense of knowing you and caring about you. I hope you can feel the collective heartache that we feel for you. Please feel better soon. You are fucking amazing and the world just isn’t the same without you!

  381. Jenny, I emailed you last year whilst in the middle of a crushing depressive episode and you wrote to me with such words of kindness it made me feel lighter to know someone out there cares even though we are complete strangers. It only seems fair that I do the same for you, though I don’t have your gift with words so don’t be too disappointed. I think I speak for many people when I say that we love you with our hearts, brains and souls and life would definitely not be better without you. I can only offer you positive energy and hope that the RA will get better with time, and if not, that you can find some way of getting through it but just remember that we all love you and wish you wellness. And lightness too xxx

  382. I have RA also, and totally understand the days that the pain just won’t quit. But you know what?? Alot of those days when I’m in pain you are the one who makes me laugh until I cry!!! Please know how much you mean to oh so many people, and I for one can’t imagine a time when I can’t log on to your blog and instantly forget the amount of pain I’m in!

  383. My mother-in-law. Wait. She wasn’t my mother-in-law. Not yet, because she died before we got married. But I’m going to call her my mother-in-law anyway because I loved her and I miss her and wish like nothing else that she had been there to see her son get married. In any case, she had multiple rare diseases that affected her much too young. She was given a couple of years to live, but then she lived 20 more. And now she’s gone and it is a constant, constant ache. For my husband, for his sisters, for his nieces and nephew, for his father, and for me. Her illnesses could be draining on her family, no doubt. It was hard for them and even harder for her. But she had lots of days of feeling good too. Of visiting her daughter in New York and getting to see a blizzard and Times Square. Of vising us in California and going to Muir Woods and seeing the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. She had periods of joy and health and periods where I’m sure she wanted nothing more than to curl up and die. But Victor is absolutely right. Some aspects of life might be easier, but nothing is better without her here. NOTHING. If it were, my husband wouldn’t still cry in my arms almost two years later while I try not to let him know that I’m crying too.

    I’m thinking of you, Jenny. I don’t know you, but you brighten my days more often than you would believe. I hope yours become brighter soon.

  386. Hello, fabulous lady. I read every one of your posts, but this is my first time commenting. You are a brilliant writer and so fucking funny. I feel like I owe you.

    So, here’s my deal. And it might sound nutso, but you might like it because of that.

    I’m wondering if you’ve considered a paleo diet to help you, along with your medication. It can be a pain in the ass, but it can also be delicious… and if you read the “success stories” of people who’ve made the switch, eating paleo can do amazing things in mitigating and reversing ailments like rheumatoid arthritis. I’ve been in thyroid Hell for two years, and changing my diet has literally given me my life back.

    Nutrition is not fun nor sexy to talk about — and I know it’s as tender an area as religion and politics, so I’m always hesitant to bring this stuff up. But I felt compelled to offer the suggestion because it’s the one tiny gift I can give back to you for the laughs and tears you’ve so graciously given to me.

    Robb Wolf’s book The Paleo Solution is a really good place to start if you’re curious (http://www.robbwolf.com), as is this site: http://whole9life.com/2011/06/whole-30-v4/. I blog about my eating and exercising adventures – with lots of recipes – but the two links I’ve listed are the best places to ge the science that might convince you it’s worth a try.

    Here’s a testimonial from someone with rheumatoid arthritis that tried paleo and had lots of success:
    http://robbwolf.com/2011/06/06/real-life-testimonial-rheumatoid-arthritis-gone/

    Best wishes to you for feeling better soon. We’re with you, sister.

  388. If you are that miserable I doubt seriously you’re going to scroll down to the bottom of 370+ comments, but should you be curious, I’d like you to know that I honor your willingness to be honest as well as humorous. Debilitating pain can certainly suck the life out of a person and the fact that you can overcome it is a tribute to your inner strength (not to mention good drugs, I’m sure.) I hope that when you are lying in bed feeling like you want to cross over to the land of milk and honey you can look out your window, and see Beyonce in the back yard smiling back at you. That somehow that smile will bring your a moment of joy if nothing else.

  389. I’m so sorry, Jenny. I just learned the difference between rheumatoid and osteo arthritis this week because a close friend of mine has a rare form of rheumatoid arthritis that affected his lungs.

    Hope that your dark days are soon sunny and that you’re back to your funny self very soon. XOXO

  390. So many comments for you to read, yet I can’t help commenting as well. You INSPIRE people. You cram more into your good days than most people do in a year. Take care of yourself. Your family knows you love them.

  392. Much love to you, Jenny. Reading everything you write, whether hysterical or sad, makes my day better. I wish I could give back to you what you give to me.

  393. Every day you don’t get better, I’m going to punch some fucking college kid in the head for you!

  395. The genuineness of this post makes me love you even more. You inspire me with every blog to live a life worthy of being written down and shared for others to enjoy, and although we may not enjoy every single day, you have the ability to find the beauty in everything that happens, good or bad. (Even by making me want to irritate my husband even more so I [we] can learn to laugh..I found a metal bulldog, that had my credit card not been confiscated that morning, he would have joined our family. Had you/your blogs not been part of my life, I would have never had a desire for any sort of cast iron pet). You are extremely appreciated and have impacted mine and many other lives maybe more than you know. Thank you and please please don’t leave our blog world.

  398. I get that too. Don’t listen to those lies. Tell ’em to fuck off. And I have a new affirmation for you: “The purpose of my mind is to entertain me with comedy.” Hang in there. It will pass, it always does. Much-o Love-o to you.

  399. That last sentence has application in many of life’s arenas, but the arena you’ve picked is likely the most important one in which to employ it. Can’t wait to see you on the flip side.

  400. Writing from the center of an emotion is just as valid and important as writing from the distance after it’s passed. I do it all the time in my writing and on my blog, and yes, sometimes it’s really boggling to look back and read how delirious your mind was at the time and wonder why on earth you thought all those horrible things that make no kinda sense.

    The poet William Carlos Williams called this notion “the thing itself”…meaning “there are no ideas but in things”. It’s real, even if it’s in passing, and if it runs as deeply as pain, then it must be acknowledged. People today are so eager to dismiss how powerful our more negative emotions can be and just want to be happy all the time. I say roll with it, stay on top of the wave, and eventually it will break on the shore.

  401. This is exactly how I feel when my anxiety “flares up”, like it did before I got my diagnosis or just after my wedding (when I thought it was a good idea to be off my medication for the months leading up to my wedding. . . . I know). It is a terrifying thing to look back on a month and not be able to remember how, exactly, you survived, and the feeling that everyone is looking at you and wishing you’d just snap out of it is miserable. I’m blessed to have a husband who also refuses to entertain the idea that he’d be better off without me, even if I often think he’s completely mad for staying. 🙂 Hang in there!

  404. Thank you for this beautiful post. I have a chronic pain disorder and sometimes think the same thing, but the “easier but not better” distinction never crossed my mind. Thank you for speaking encouragement and beauty into my life!

  405. My baby brother has RA and it completely sucks. My wish for both of you is some sort of miracle that takes this pain away with out ripping apart your stomach or pumping you full of dangerous chemicals or altering your moods and mind. Bless you my friend and hopefully better days are ahead.

  406. Hang in there! I’ve been following your blog for a week or so now, and just wanted to let you know that you always bring a smile to my face! Victor sounds like a sweetheart!

  407. Please tell me you are under the care of a Rheumatologist and are taking “Biological” drugs for your RA. I’ve been on Humira for years and my RA is totally inactive. When diagnosed I was given ARAVA, but, it didn’t work for me. Then, Remicade which didn’t last the 2 months it was supposed to. Last, I was given HUMIRA and it has been like a miracle. I don’t have “flare ups” and pain. If you’re not using these or other “Boligical” drugs, maybe you should look into it. Good Luck.
    (for more information about what Humira will do for you as far as saving on co-pay cost, go to my daughter’s blog http://www.gaiabodytherapies.com)

  408. Beautifully said, and many good thoughts to you from me. I’ve felt the same (not from RA, but chemical sensitivities). Thank you for writing it so well, and for being there for the rest of us.

  409. Great post. You chose the right time to write that and I am sure it will serve you well in the future.

  410. Sometimes our brains and our bodies are not our friends. If only there was a way to let them know that they are stuck with us and should play nice. I hope you feel better soon.

  411. Aw Jen. :’0( Breaks my heart to see you struggle with yourself. Although I don’t have RA, I know that battle and the infamous ever lengthing tunnel to stability, all too well. Many a times I have convinced myself that that light at the other end was just the lamp of an on coming train. Luckily, we both have supportive family and friends. Yes, they get a bit drained by us, but it doesn’t mean they don’t love us. Just means they aren’t superhuman and neither are we. Well… actually… maybe we are! We go through hell and somehow manage to make it back, attempt to make light of our situations and crack a joke in the hopes of putting smiles on people’s faces so they don’t feel bad. Shit. We ROCK! Rock on Sista!

  412. Yay for Victor. Glad you have him.

    As for you, you remind me of the Honey Badger. “Honey Badger doesn’t give a shit. Honey Badger will get bit by in the face by a cobra and just take a light cat nap. And then he eats the cobra.” RA is your cobra.

    Wolverines!

  413. Um.. life would NOT be easier. I can say that and I’m not even your family or close friend. I had the shittiest day ever today, so what did I do? I came to your page. Because you make me happy. So no, life would not be easier without you. It would suck. Badly. It would be without the humor that only you possess. I like that humor. And I like the real. So I’ll be here while youre in the hole, waiting for the badass inside of you to climb out of it. Thanks for making my life easier just by living 🙂

  414. You make me laugh out loud so many times a week, I could never thank you enough. Hang in there. No one wants you to be different, just to feel better. And we’re all willing to wait until you do. 🙂

  415. I’m a new reader…only found your page via a friend a few weeks ago. You’ve already touched my life in all sorts of (non creepy) ways. I’ve already spent tons of hours going back and reading old posts and laughing and crying. I have endo that is mostly in remission but I go to the doctor tomorrow to see if this awful pain and weakness in my hands and arms is RA. My grandmother got it in her 30’s and I feel like I’ve spent my whole life waiting for that horrible diagnosis. Thanks for reminding me that life can go on through pain. Stay strong! <3

  416. My world would be so much less without you. This will pass. In the meantime, know you are loved and that the world IS way better with you in it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  417. you’re beautiful, and honest, and much more stronger than you give yourself credit. You’re beautiful and adored by many; and for many, you’re that little voice at the end of the tunnel that reminds us that there’s still a lot worth fighting for and many reasons to keep holding on. Never forget that.

    Victor couldn’t be more right about it. Life would be much easier without all the struggles, pain and frustration; but it wouldn’t be any better or more beautiful; and it certainly wouldn’t make you or any of us any stronger.

    keep on going, I love you, and tell that depression to go fuck herself; that old skanky bitch.

  419. What a precious, precious husband you are blessed with! Chronic pain is awful and can beat and wear you down. During those times it’s hard to think truth and darn near impossible to make any decisions. Just pamper yourself and watch I Love Lucy reruns (or whatever) and each chocolate until you feel better!

  420. I have psoriatic arthritis, and nobody can understand the pain. Or the depression. Or the hopelessness. Or why nothing seems to make it “better”. And honestly, I’m glad they don’t, because nobody should have to live our hell. I’d hold your hand if I knew it wouldn’t hurt so damned much. Don’t give in to the depression. You’re worth more than that!

  421. I too have RA and feel the same way during flares. Know that you aren’t alone and that your words have probably educated some people who have no exposure to RA and what it is like, helping even more people. Gentle hugs.

  422. I’ve been in the abyss, too, with the pain (car accident). I understand. You are awesome and loved, and I’m so glad you make it through every time, because we need you to help US get through! Feel better. I mean that from the bottom of my heart!

  423. I have MS. I get the stress and fatigue and depression and feeling like you’re a drain on your family- that’s how I feel when I get sick. But you’re a fighter. You’re awesome. You will get better. And your family loves you and wants you to fight the good fight. You’re not alone.

  424. Thank you for sharing this. You have no idea how deeply you have touched me. And possibly saved me. Hugs to you. Hope you begin to get some relief very soon.

  425. I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize you had RA, it’s a horrible disease. I have Crohn’s and have some RA/Crohn’s-related arthritis, but not near as bad as it used to be and nowhere close to what you deal with. I love your post about the finding of Beyoncé the giant metal chicken and read it whenever I’m having a horrible day. Thanks for blogging even when you have a flare-up, I don’t know if I could blog during a Crohn’s flare. Chronic disease bitches gotta stick together. You rock.

  426. Never forget that you are worth it. All of these people wouldn’t waste their time on someone they didn’t love…on someone who wasn’t worth it. Hang in there. We are all praying for you. Unless, of course, they are atheists. Then I don’t know what they would be doing…but I’m sure it would be really nice. 🙂

  427. I KNEW there was a reason I loved you-besides the giant chicken and homicidal monkey. i have RA, fibro, Reynaud’s and some other crap. It’s wonderful knowing I am not alone in my misery—ha, see how sick that sounds? Keep at it (the humorous writing part, not the flare-up struggles-I’m not THAT mean). This writing stuff really helps through the tough times.

  428. Love you, love Victor, hate RA. BOO! I think I live close-enough to bring a casserole. But, you might not want it since I’m not a good cook. Let me know 😉

  429. I read your blog every single day. When there isn’t a new post; I reread the older ones. Like you, I’m living with RA….your blog heals my soul as none of the infusions, injections, pills and therapy could ever heal this disease. You give me hope….take time for you…your fans can reread your blogs until you’re ready to venture out and get Beyonce a boyfriend! My life isn’t easier just better because of your gifts. Stay strong.

  430. “Because quitting might be easier, but it wouldn’t be better. ”

    That is the single most powerful statement I think I have ever heard. Thank you. You have no idea how awesome you are.

  432. I have RA and Crohn’s, and I have been in the same place so many times. Victor is right (as is my husband when he tells me the same thing): Sure, it’d be easier, but it wouldn’t be at all better. Even worse, it’d be boring. 😉 I hope you’re feeling better soon. xoxo

  433. Well, I think you know that I adore you because I always comment on this here blog and I am tremendously sorry that you are in pain. I think that, despite this disease, you do one hell of an admiral job of taking life’s lemons and making lemonade (maybe with a splash of vodka? just for fun?). You are an amazing person, and your struggles only make you even more incredible. Peace, sister. Feel better soon.

  434. Victor is usually *really* off the mark. Like, seriously, the man wouldn’t even let you buy a bottle of tequila in the shape of a rifle. WTF, Victor?! But this time he’s right. Don’t let it go to his head.

  435. I love love LOVE that zombie t-shit. We went to the Vancouver Zombie Walk yesterday and all I could think all day was *how fricking awesome would it have been to come as the zombie Bloggess?* Next year, baby. Next. Year. I’m gonna hit up the town with curlers, a blow drier and a TON of fricking gore.

  436. My wife introduced me to your blog, and the happy loving crazy sad hopeful posts help me appreciate life better. You’re a strong, loving caring woman and you remind me of my late mom, which makes me happy. Sometimes life sucks, but when you share your suck maybe we all feel better together. my wife has ms(so her body is trying to kill her too) and I hope that we can stay strong and loving like you and victor our whole lives. Let victor know he’s got a 25 year old male who thinks he’s pretty cool too (and yes I’m proof you reach a male demographic.)

  437. Oh Jenny! I don’t have the arthritis, but I have the depression. I thought I had it conquered these last few months but it hit me again, hard a week ago. It is part of who we are. The people around us love us for who we are. Thankfully we have them! All of us love you and are rooting for you. If there weren’t people like us, then life would be super boring. And if there weren’t people like Victor, life would super suck. Hugs to you and Victor. I hope tomorrow looks brighter!

  438. I spent over 10 years battling RA so can truly sympathize with your frustrations. Try to stay strong and know that your stories lighten the day for many people.

  440. Hang in there kid. There is always the morning to look forward to.
    I had a dream the other night where I was on a killing spree and bloody sex rampage with Stephen King.
    Last night I dreamed I was Heidi….as in the girl from the children’s book.

  441. Your blogs brighten my day and I share them with so many of my friends. All of our days are better because of YOU! Feel better soon!

  442. My DIL suffers from arthritis since she was a little girl. Recently she has totally changed her diet (dairy and wheat are gone) and she has seen a HUGE improvement. She started by going to a naturapathic doctor…pretty restrictive at first but it might be worth a try for you? (She can still drink wine…beer is gone tho LOL)

  443. I had no idea you were a fellow RA sufferer when I fell in love with Beyonce chicken. Don’t give up hope. You bring happiness to so many. 🙂 – Beyonce lover

  444. I’m going through a fibromyalgia flare up right now, and it may not be as bad as what you’ve described, but it’s pretty miserable. I can’t walk very well at all and certainly can’t walk very far. It’s painful at all times and is just stupid and mean. I have these about every two months or so. Nothing, absolutely nothing, has ever helped when these are going on. I hope that your flare up is gone soon and I wish you could stab it and make it leave faster.

  445. I thought the post itself was sad and sweet and inspiring, then I read the comments.

    <3

  446. Living through such things may really suck, but it’s still better than the alternative. Hang in there. We’re all pulling for you. And sorry if the notions of hanging or pulling cause any further twinges…

  447. I can’t believe I’m behind on stalking you, AGAIN. I swear I’m not adding a comment now just to get a free stabbing (I’m perfectly capable of doing my own stabbing, but I appreciate the offer). I used to have seizures that lasted maybe a minute at most. But during the seizures, I would imagine them lasting FOREVER. I’d rather have my fingernails pulled out. I’m not shitting you. And after every single seizure I would wonder why I thought it wouldn’t end, because they always do. I think when your mind is at a certain dark place, it tricks you into thinking that there’s no hope. But there’s always hope, and this post is a brilliant idea to remind yourself of that when you’re in the dark place again. If nothing else, at least your experience and wisdom has given the rest of us hope.

  448. Tomorrow will be a better day. You are a smart, witty woman and what ever your brain tells you about the pain or being a drain, is wrong. I discovered your blog a bit ago (one word…Beyonce) and I have been hooked ever since. Make sure you stick around to entertain me, but feel better. Look at it this way…it’s nothing a pound of coke won’t fix. Or point a bottle of good tequila at your head and pull the trigger. That’s what I do sometimes to make the pain better.

  450. The flares are the worst! And writing about them is a boost for everyone who has an invisible disease! For that reason alone you would rock. I wish I could hug you!

    Xo susie

  451. I suffer from epilepsy, the fall down pass out go into full convulsions and occasionally piss yourself kind. Those feelings you described are all so familiar to me. Kudos to you, standing ovation for sharing this. I love ya, kid.

  452. Ah, yes – the loveliness of a chronic dis-ease that flares up and takes you back into an emotional black hole just like the first day you got your diagnosis. Mine’s MS. Thank you for the smiles and giggles – nay chortles complete with snorts – you give me on my tough days. I wish I could do the same for you – love and light on the way.

  453. Hugs to you and thank goodness for Victor putting life with you into perspective… hope you are on the mend soon!

  454. Thank you for this post. You clearly sum up the feelings I’ve had during my flares of RA and fibro. Maybe their lives would be easier and I often feel guilty that it’s not. Thank you for pushing on and sharing yourself with all of us. Sending you lots of healing energy so that you can enjoy your days with less pain again.

  455. I’m hoping you’re resting and/or feeling so much better that you’re out frolicking with your lovely family, rather than reading this comment. But just in case. I’ve told you before, years ago, on several occasions, how much reading what you’ve written has helped clarify my feelings towards my own depression, to remind me that if someone as incredible as you can be fooled by it sometimes, it doesn’t mean I’m a failure for not always being able to fight it as well as I wish I could.

    Things are… interesting right now. All up in the air, soon to be literally – as-of-yet-unexplained illness, imminent continent move, imminent start to a program I’m terrified I won’t be smart enough for, and being on the other side of the world from the little girl I fell hopelessly in love with and plan to do whatever it takes to adopt. And when things are hard, I feel the ache of missing her that much more acutely, knowing that she’s in an orphanage wondering where I went, falling asleep alone in her crib and waking up alone. For now, though, there is nothing I can do to make her mine, and the only thing that will make her more likely to be mine later is to go to school, to do the work, to get established in a life so that if (when, please make it when) the law changes and/or I get married, I can give her the life she deserves.

    And in the meantime I run my nonprofit, and we try to do the little things for all of the orphanage kids – first a well (wouldn’t have happened without your help, Jenny), now clean water (just completed the fundraiser, will install in December), next raising school fees for little Ericki, Dainess and Stevie to get them started out in the world. And I do it for them, partly, but I know I do it for me too, because the despair of being so far away from my Z is eating me up every day, and this way I feel a tiny, tiny, tiny bit closer to her.

    Sometimes… often… I have moments where I wish I didn’t care. I think about what it would be like if I’d gone, and done the work, and come home, and not left a huge chunk of my heart behind in her tiny, sticky little hands, grown chubby from the spindly stubs they were when I arrived. I’d be free, now – planning my life in a new country, excited to move forward with my career, eyes on the horizon instead of looking back anxiously behind me.

    It would be easier. It would not be better.

    When I got there, she was so tiny and sick, too riddled with worms to gain weight or strength, unable at a year old even to crawl, her belly was so swollen and her arms and legs so thin. Then she got pneumonia. And her little system couldn’t fight it off, after her first round of antibiotics she still lay in the bed all day, little chest barely rising and falling, rattling like a stick was running up and down her protruding ribs. We went down to the hospital, the two of us together, and they confirmed that the drugs weren’t working. I held her while she bawled, as the technicians fumbled to try to find a vein in her immature, underformed arm. I rocked her and my tears mixed with hers and my sobs shook with hers and my heart beat with hers as they gave up and injected the drugs, painfully, into her leg. I held her and stroked her and sang to her, both our tears all over my face, until she finally settled down to sleep on my chest, and I knew I would never be the same.

    It would be easier if it had never happened. If I hadn’t pushed to go to the hospital, if she had gotten better or died, whichever it would have been, and neither would have been my story.

    Instead, I throb with missing her every day, every time I see a child, every time a kitten stretches their neck out for a scratch under the chin, just like she did – does. I scribble poems into unpublished blogs to keep for her, one day, holding out hope that I will have the chance to make her mine.

    It would have been easier. It wouldn’t have been better. Thanks for reminding me. You are still my hero.

  456. Damn it I read you for a laugh, but you made me cry because my brain tries to kill me too. Thank you for the post. Nice to know I’m not alone…

  458. Thank you so much for your eloquence. I just read this to my beloved husband with tears in my eyes. Your words perfectly express my thoughts about my chronic migraines. My husband kissed me and assured me that things would not be better, just easier. I’ll have to go find a Beyonce this week to thank him.

  459. I hope you feel the love from all of these posts. Maybe our combined prayers and thoughts will kick your RA in the ass. You bring so much joy to us all Jenny…I am so sorry that you have to suffer. xox

  460. I as with so many here also havebmy own chronic pain issue and am mid flare up. This post is spot on and so great. You are so great and we are all better together…. Now back to lurking

  462. I’ve battled depression.

    That paragraph struck me very deeply. People who have never been that dark, don’t know what it’s like. Nobody understands that many times it is simply easier to stay stuck down on the bottom and not fight your way back up for air. That it would just be easier to let the cold, darkness suffocate you.

    But what they also don’t understand? That once you’ve been down there and have fought your way back up – you are stronger than they will ever be. You have more strength than those people will ever have. And you have more desire to live and be happy than they even know is possible.

    Why? Because you fought for it.

  463. Sending LOTS of love, continued strength, and the knowledge that you will kick RA’s ass because, well, that’s just who you are.
    Love ya, girl.

  464. Man, I would have SWORN I left a comment for you last night…it was from my phone, so maybe there were technical difficulties (aka I screwed up). At any rate…I am very sorry you are going through the struggles you are. Chronic pain so totally sucks. Thanks for sharing the way you do–you mean a lot to people, as you can tell by all the comments. Including me. You are in my thoughts and prayers!

  465. I hope you feel better soon…and that you don’t listen to your brain. 😉

    And Victor is right…life would not be better without you.

    I posted about depression and suicide a little while ago…about a friend who did listen to his brain. I would love your thoughts on it if you have the time! (because I cannot keep referencing you on my blog…I do it too much already, but dammit, woman! You make me laugh!)

  466. ((hugs))
    I suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Before I underwent surgery for my left hand which was in constant unbearable pain, I used to have dreams (not nightmares – these were actually happy dreams) of chopping it off with a meat cleaver, the pain was that intense. So I know the pain you’re talking about.

    I can only say what I say to myself — ” this too shall pass”. It’s a phrase I use a lot between the CTS (there are still days where a meat cleaver seems a decent option) and raising a teenager with aspergers syndrome. Your blog makes me laugh like a crazy loon on those bad days. Thank you for that. Stay strong.

  468. What to say to the woman who has established such a community that $42K was raised practically overnight but yet wonders if the world might be better without her? What to say to the woman who has gotten me to think about being furiously happy and just what that might look like for me? What to say to a woman who has had to endure much more physical pain than I have?

    What I will say is that you move me. Your funny posts, your serious posts, your poignant posts–they have all moved me. I am a little more irreverent now. I take things a little less seriously. I feel connected to people I may never meet who are spread out all over this world. I am more committed to being furiously happy. I take people’s needs more seriously. I, Mindy Sitton, would not be better off without you. It’s your vulnerability, whether being funny or serious, that allows me to connect with you. And I offer you mine, anytime you need it.

    I I could wave a magic wand and make your pain go away, I would. If I could wave a magic wand and make everyone’s pain go away, I most certainly would. If I could wave a magic wand and make my own pain–while mostly not physical go away–I would do that too, even if it would not be the wise thing to do. I realized recently that I may never be “not broken.” I may always have brokenness inside of me. And I finally accepted that, and found a strength from it I’ve never felt before. Have you played a small part in me being able to do so? I believe that you have. And so, I wave my magic wand for something I can give you Akhilandeshvari, the goddess of “Never Not Broken.” I’ll share her with you, along with my vulnerability. And we will see what marvelous creations she may help us conjure up from the beauty of the broken parts and pieces.

    Be well, Jenny. Be all manner of well.

    Mindy

  470. You are an amazing woman. I can’t count how many times that I have laughed out loud reading your blog. You make this world a better and a hell of a lot funnier place! Smooches!

  471. I have not slept tonight due to fibromyalgia & chronic fatigue. Instead of my job that I loved being understanding they tormented me until I developed PTSD and then fired me nut then allowed me to quit. They said horrible things about me. I am still in the process of applying for SS disability. My long term disability company cares so much they threatened to cut me off by august 26 unless my psychologist fills out more meaningless paperwork. I was in a group on the net and was thrown out because someone else did something wrong and the leader decided to blame me. I hate every second of my life and hope that I will die soon and I am 52. My 13 & 11 year old girls & great husband keep me on the planet. My mother is dying of alzheimer’s and I did not make any friend’s or have fun at Blogher 10 so I stayed home this year terrified of a repeat performance. Nobody reads my blog even though I think it is okay but definitely not as good as you. I am praying for a few hours of sleep.

    Other than that I am doing okay, you?

    Just wanted to let you know that you are a wonderful person and I hate that this is in your life and I hope you feel better soon.

    Now off to cry myself to sleep.

    Love,

    Lorrie, who makes Sylvia Plath look like a fun person right now

  472. and….the typos were damn you autocorrect!! I hope the flare ends soon. I would give up my entire life for blessed blessed morphine, which I finally got, which helps. I am going to try every one of the suggestions in your comments and if anybody has others pls mail me at madeleinemargaret at yahoo!!!

  473. You’re beautiful and wonderful, and I love you.

    This post brought made me smile a little since I’m going through a personal downward spiral that I feel I’m never going to escape, but I always try and stay happy and keep a positive attitude. There are days where the happy and positivity are a struggle to maintain, and at those moments I just want to say “FRAK IT!” and give up… but deep down, I know you and Victor are right. It might be easier, but it wouldn’t better.

    Even though I don’t like it when people are sad, it is nice to know that there are those out there that feel exactly as I do, and if they can overcome days/moments like these, then so can I.

    I just wanted to send you internet hugs and much love.

    Have Goodness!
    Rae

  474. It breaks my heart to hear of your pain 🙁
    I too have been through the same thought process and thought life would be so much easier for my family without me. Just getting out of bed was a struggle.
    Now that I am better I’m so glad I pushed through every minute and every day.
    Remember we love you more than alcoholic slushies on a Saturday night.
    Keep your chin up sweetie xoxo

  475. Just look at that. 472 comments, and I’ll bet thousands of unwritten thoughts, to tell you that you are not alone.

    That life without you wouldn’t be better…or easier…and for some people you are a lifeline of happiness, a momentary stop on a day filled with uncertainty, anxiety and their own pain.

    I won’t pretend to commisserate with your pain. I won’t pretend to I totally understand.

    I will say that chronic illnesses suck.

    Big time.

    Pain is an unimaginable bitch and she is always PMS-ing.

    To say “hang in there” seems so…so…inadequate.

    So I’ll just say…you have squirrels and metal chickens and horribly mangled monkeys that need your attention, so keep that in mind.

    I will say I aspire to be you. Like so many others, I admire your courage and inner strength.

  478. God bless Victor for that answer. What a perfect way to put it.

    Hope you’re feeling better soon!

    E

  479. That sounds genuinely horrific. I would be a weeping, festering mess of self-pity. *pats you gently on a place where it won’t cause additional pain, wherever that is*

    Hang in there.

  480. Flare ups are so debilitating and it can be so hard for others to understand. You will get there, you will get back to your life returning to “normal” and you can do this. Rant if you like, cry, do whatever you need to do to get through it but remember that you can do it. I find when I have a flare up, if I focus on getting through the day, it’s too much for me, but if I take it a minute, an hour at a time, then it seems easier.

    You have my utter sympathy and I hope that it subsides quickly and that you can get back to normal soon.

  481. I also have inflammatory arthritis and depression/anxiety. Reading your blog helps remind me that everything is going to be fine… maybe even good.

    Thanks =)

  482. I am a more playful, more thoughtful, more joyful person because of reading what you write. Even this.

    Hearts and hugs and hope to you.

  483. Feel better! I had a “bout” of arthritis, swelling, couldn’t walk, etc for two months this summer. The doctor’s thought it was an auto-immune disorder (RA) or something of the sort. The rheumatologist told me I didn’t have joint swelling but to continue to take the anti-joint swelling medication. I became irate, seriously, if I don’t have joint swelling, why take a medication I don’t need? So I stopped taking ALL medications, even the ones that keep me sane. All of my pain went away. I was so bad I couldn’t even walk, then I stopped taking medication and it went away. I can’t imagine having this a few times a year and I completely feel for you. My sister has Lupus so she gets bouts of RA in her hands only…for now. I’m glad it goes away for you and I’m terribly sorry you have to go through it in the first place. I understand the depression, the uselessness, the telling your husband he’d be better off without you & just being miserable…although I can’t even begin to comprehend it repeating itself. Good luck and just know you’ve made my days better just by your wit!

  484. Thank you for writing this! I am struggling with a new chronic illness. I got sick four years ago, but was only diagnosed two years ago, and only realized it was chronic this year. I completely understand the feeling that you are a drain on those around you. I’ve even had my Mother tell me I shouldn’t tell people I am sick, because people don’t like to be around sick people. But I look at someone like you, and you’re so funny and smart and sometimes uplifiting that I know that even if I were close enough to you to have to deal with a flare like this one, it would more than be worth it. I can’t imagine you dragging anyone down, and that makes me think that maybe I’m not either. Some things are beyong our control. We just have to grit our teeth and bear them until they run their course, and then get back up and keep being our wonderful selves!

  486. You’re such a beautiful, strong woman. Your wit will outshine and run over pain everyday of the week. Keep your faith and for heaven’s sake …keep Victor! He’s as awesome as you are.

    Hugs.

  487. Yesterday I drove down to visit my mother. About 30 minutes into the trip, I almost wrecked the car. If I had been in the correct lane, I would have pulled over and taken a picture for you. In front of one of those little country “antique” stores stood a line of about 20 metal chickens. I have made this trip numerous times, and they were never there before. On the way back I looked for them again and across the highway about 100 yards away was ANOTHER shop with 5 or 6 “Beyonces.”

    When your days are tough, know that you have touched many people. You may not know us personally, but your cheering section is massive.

    And giant metal chicken sales are through the roof!
    (I may have to drive down next weekend and get that picture for you)

  488. I can relate. I have Crohn’s. I fear the onset of rheumatoid arthritis at some point as they are often related. My thumb has been aching for the last three months and I am convinced it’s about to attack my whole hand. Autoimmune diseases can suck it. You have an incredible sense of humor, something that I aspire to on my blog but lack the direction (or the fearlessness) to just give er. You’re beyond awesome and these bouts of terribleness will not define you, your words will 🙂

  489. I totally understand. I’m the other half of a rheumatoid family. My husband has RA and I’m the caregiver. I can’t tell you how many times he’s had a flare up and we end up in the ER. It’s tough and he says he’d rather I have someone better who isn’t as he puts it “fucked up with this shit”. I love him though and the caregiving is hard at times but I wouldn’t trade him for a “better model”. It’s just something we’re gonna have to deal with. Right now his RA has screwed up his eye so he’s on his way to get a CAT scan. He’s taking an extra 50 mg daily of prednisone for that but it’s not helping. I can only hope that they can prescribe a medication that WILL help it. Other options are a shot in his eye that has a possibility of causing blindness. Fucking great!

    Hang in there. RA spouses might get tired but if we didn’t want to be there for you, we wouldn’t be.

    P.S. My husband’s rheumatologist has him on weekly shots of Enbrel. It’s the only thing that keeps him going. He hardly has any flare ups while taking it. And when he does have one, it’s not ER bad. He can deal. Just wanted to tell you.

  490. My dear friend- I am a new fan, ever since the FU Chix post was shared by a friend. I am so very sorry to hear that the world of auto-immune diseases has recruited you. I am a member of that “secret society” as well. Not quite sure what I did to get in, as I am sure they did not perform a background check.
    You and I would be fast friends as we subcribe to the same theories on life and have a very similiar sense of humor. This humor is how I cope for the most part, and have been told to write a book, but perhaps just reading your blog will suffice for now! I offer you no new ways of coping, as you have already defined your protocol and as we know, sometimes even that is not good enough.
    It is in the weakness that we find new opportunities and strength to persevere through the complexity of what is known to most as only “a syndrome, disease, issue, etc…” to us, merely a life altering style of living.
    I wish for you continued healing, and happiness in knowing that you contribute to others healing through your antics and humor! Keep positng and keep that bright-eyed outlook!
    Love and hugs & healing, Melissa

  491. The same person that can have me fight tears at work for this post is the same person who has me read about Beyonce the giant metal chicken with my hand over my mouth so as not to disturbe my cube neighbors with hysterical laughter? Woman, where is your book deal?

    Keep breathing and I hope you feel better sooner than expected.

  493. i’m sorry you’ve been in pain.

    i read this, and felt like you could be describing how i feel sometimes … and lately more often than not. i’ve bipolar disorder. and when i’m tanking, everything hurts. my head, my heart. my body. it’s like my brain is half smeagol/half golem. and golem almost wins out. almost. just at the point where he would, i get a reprieve for a while.

    it sounds like victor is a really smart guy.

    but more, it sounds like you’re a really smart girl for having chosen him. good for you. i’m glad you’ve got a guy like that to lean on.

  495. Jenny-

    I recently found your post when someone suggested your EPIC Chicken story. My husband and I still joke about it regularly and have set a calendar reminder to get on at Anniversary 15… Anyway back to my point-

    I found you and haven’t stopped coming back to your site since. However, this is the first time I was brave enough to comment.

    A- I want you to know that no matter how tough and miserable things are in life…they can always be worse.

    B- Victor is seriously one of the nicest people… and it’s completely obvious how much he loves you in all your posts. 😉

    C- You inspire people like me to realize mental illness is ok. 😉

    and LASTLY D- You should never let yourself feel low when so many people think so highly of you and want you to be the funny, amazing, and outgoing person you are!

    Thanks for laughs, tears, and fun!

    Brittani

  496. ~hugs~ My daughter has suffered JRA from as early as she was able to tell us where and how she hurt. I hope this eases up for you very soon. There’s not enough I can say 🙁

  497. Hey there Jenny! I hope you’re feeling better. My mother has RA, and I see a lot of clients who have it (I’m a massage therapist- not the kind that just makes people relax, and definitely not the kind that gives happy endings, but I do provide therapeutic massage for people who have chronic pain issues like RA and Fibromyalgia…specialize in it even.) Anywho. My mom takes this stuff called Black Cherry concentrate (found at a health nut store near you) that leaves her absolutely pain free…as long as she takes it. Might be worth your time to check into it.

  498. I suffer from schizophrenia–not quite the same, as there’s no physical pain–but the mental aspect of it definitely makes me feel like I’m under attack by my own brain. Constantly. Every once in a while I have that moment where I wonder if, just maybe, if I drive a Q-tip deep enough into my ear canal, I can silence my stupid brain. But alas, never quite the option I end up going with.

    Instead, I suffer and slog through, I tell my wife that I love her and that I need her, and she helps to carry me through the next difficult bout and we’re just a little bit stronger as a result. My wife calls my brain “the mosh pit” when it’s like that. I’ve learned to ignore most of it, and just keep moving. That’s all you can do–keep moving, keep going. And the hard part, as you pointed out, is remembering that we have these people in our lives for a reason–they’re not here because it’s convenient or because it’s always awesome. They’re here because they’re so god damned in love with us, and they can’t imagine their life without us.

  499. My 11 year old has JRA and I can imagine she feels like this from time to time. She is really good at being tough and not letting the pain get to her emotionally. But there are times I think she needs to break down and let it out… This post really hit home for me and I’d like to say thank you for being so open & honest. People don’t always realize how much physical pain can effect us emotionally, and it’s very important to make that connection. Not only for the person in pain, but for the person or people who love the person in pain. I’d never change that I have to take care of her in different ways that I take care of my other daughter with no health problems… I think your husband feels the same for you. The only thing I would LOVE to change is that she would not hurt anymore. And I think your husband feels that way as well.
    Thank you again, it’s great to hear people talk about all aspects of arthritis, not just the physical.

  503. I’m not sure if you have tried Humira or any other Biological drugs that treat autoimmune diseases. Please look into this if you have not already. My mother has been prescribed it for at least 5 yrs and is considered to be in remission. I realize that all bodies react differently, but it sounds like your treatment might need to be reevaluated.
    Here is a link to a post from my blog for the Humira Protection Plan: http://wp.me/p1HiBz-3L
    My heart goes out to you. I have seen my mother in pain and it breaks my heart. I hope that you find the help you need so you don’t have to suffer through those awful flare ups.
    Good Luck!

  504. I’m so sorry to hear about your pain. I can empathize with you. I get migraines. That last for weeks at a time. Sometimes I feel like putting a bullet in my head so the pain will stop. Then depression takes hold and it seems like it will never end. After 20 years of this and a stroke – I know the pain will go away eventually but at the time I’m not thinking about that, I’m thinking about stopping the pain NOW. Then after the pain is over I get what I call the “hangover”. I can’t sleep enough and it seems like I just got my ass beat by Mike Tyson.

    I’m going to tell you the same thing my BFF told me – it will pass. It will get better. The world is a better place with you in it.

    I know…I kinda want to slap her, too.

    Best wishes and take your time getting back into the swing of things.

  505. I’ve been suffering from uterine fibroids for the past 3 years, and they made me feel exactly like you described…..except you can add bleeding through your clothes every 5 minutes to it. It made me feel almost inhuman and beyond disgusting, and ruined a large part of this past year.
    I’m lucky enough that there’s surgery for this, which I just had, and although they might grow back I pray for now I can live a ‘normal’ life.
    I just want to thank you for writing such rich words that help me feel like there are others that understand, and thankful that something could be done for me. I wish you the best of luck with your bouts of pain, and I hope there are huge amounts of wonderful happiness in between.

  506. I write this as I’m on my way to a looooong mandatory informational co-op meeting. I hav unintentionally over-medicated myself since my crippling anxiety disorder make attending this meeting seem like being thrown into the lions’ den.

    I’ve thought of you all day, wishing you were also attending & we could hide in the bathroom together. Alas, I must attend alone.

    Please know that you are important and needed.

    I’m truly sorry you struggle and I wish the very best for you.

  507. Jenny, you write this so that your readers that suffer from the same ailment…..yes, there are others so know you are not suffering alone…will know that they are not alone. I know you can’t “help” them any more than you can help yourself, but sometimes just letting people know they are not alone helps more than you know. I do hope you are feeling better soon. We love you!

  509. I see my 32 year old daughter go through these horrible flares…along with 2 or 3 types of Lupus and Reynaud’s. It kills me inside to see her hurt. And I ache for you and all others who go through this awfulness. Big hugs to you!

  510. be well. be well, and know that your writing helps other people be well, too.
    your family, your friends, people you’ve bumped into on the street, people you’ve never met and people you will never meet.

  512. I understand…I have some diagnosed problems that when we seem to get a handle on them morph into some weird new symptom. Best wishes and you will get though it and you have a great partner. Thank you for writing the column, I printed it and put it in my going to the hospital bag for the next time should I need it.

  514. hi jenny! i hope you’re feeling better….i wanted to ask you about how your symptoms started initially for your RA. i’ve been having a lot of issues with my hands and feet and the joints being aching and sore constantly for the last few months….i’m hoping it isn’t RA….i saw my doctor and her advice was “take advil, stop exercising, and if it’s not better in a month, call me back” – so worthless. thanks for any advice you have!

  515. Oh, poor lady. I have an illness that flares up too, and I go through these exact same feelings. It’s so good to read someone else talking about it! It’s so horrible. Sometimes, when it’s been a long time, I’ll think “Oh, it’s never THAT bad” and then it’s back again and I wonder how I ever survive and will it EVER END? I feel like that kid in the youtube video whose on drugs after the dentist asking about whether it’s going to be like this forever.

    I’m glad that you have this reminder that it does, in fact, end. And you’re right, quitting would not be BETTER-that’s a great distinction!

  516. Oh, I know those feelings all to well. I have an autoimmune condition as well. Always the phases of good and bad, and waiting out the bad. But man, the bad sucks!

  517. I’m sorry you are having problems. RA is a Mother fucker for sure. I have a kind of similar disease and get to enjoy the same types of medications. If I was a drug addict, I would be set. Rest and let others help you until you are back on your feet. I can say you blog lifts me up all the time. Thanks for your sick sense of humor. I love love it.

  518. You don’t know how often your blog makes my day. So yes, “Because quitting might be easier, but it wouldn’t be better.”…you make the world a brighter place.

  519. I get it, sistah. I suffer from stroke-like migraines. Keep writing about it. There is strength in numbers (of people… but also narcotics). 😉

    -B(Sting)

  521. Wow, you sure have a lot of sick and depressed fans! I bet that’s meaningful somehow… 🙂
    For me it’s Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Not only do I get the chronic pain, trouble sleeping, inability to sit up for long, etc, it comes with the stupidest name ever. And it mostly affects women, so just like with RA, the real problem is probably due to being hysterical and depressed. Possibly at the same time.
    At least some day you might get really cool creepy hands. Way easier to impress people with those than by waving around urine test results.

  522. I have a sister who suffers from Lupus with RA and it is a horrible thing to watch someone go through, so I have no idea how you ladies make it to the other side…but you do…you always do. I’m so sorry you have to go through this, but it does sound like you have an AMAZING support system…thinking of you.

  523. Thank you for writing this post, because clearly it touched not just me, but lots of other people.
    This morning, in pain, from a flare up from a chronic illness, and with the side effects of treatment that seem even worse than the disease, i thought i could use a good story about 5 foot metal chickens, ON SALE!, but instead i found out that you’re in a similar boat, which is not just being in pain, but feeling guilty about it, like somehow i brought all this on myself, or it is all in my head, and so on and so forth. i feel better knowing that someone as awesome as you has her dark days too, even though i wish you DIDN’T have any dark days. or pain. I’m glad you have your Victor, as I’m glad I have my boyfriend. When my treatment involved injections to stop my body from producing estrogen, which could cause me to grow unwanted facial hair (is there “wanted” facial hair in women?) he told me not to worry, he’d get me some Nair and everything would be fine.

  524. I am also a chronic pain sufferer. Thank you for this post. It is so important that people talk about their pain so others can try to understand how real pain is. This post took incredible strength. I hope you find relief soon. I also think Victor has made up for not liking large metal chickens.

  525. I for one am so glad you wrote this post. I have RA or I don’t and have Osteo and Fibromyalgia depending on which doctor I ask. The end result is that I am in pain all the time and my brain starts saying all the mean little things that yours does. It’s a mental condition as well. *tears*

    <3

  527. I shared your blog with my mom, who has been fighting RA for nearly 20 years. She is a woman of intense faith and wisdom. This is what she had to say:
    Your story is desperate…you’re in the throes of acute debillitating RA. The ravages of the disease are little known, or not common or dramatized. Maybe it will be once cancer, diabetes, bladder control, and libido are conquered. :-/ You are very young and have all those hormones interfering. It’s not fair that you must manage a painful disease along with deformity, disability, depression, and dispair. Who can console you as you adjust to unexpected physical, emotional, and relational separation, all caused by your fight to survive rationally? Your husband is wise and kind. That you can grasp his truth is the evidence of your gift. As you share her gift, you’ll manage in a new light. RA at that level is hell. I think today’s medicine can lessen the ravage.

  528. Oh Jenny. I’m so sorry you’ve been feeling so badly. I wish there was a magic solution to the pain. But if you were to quit, I’d come to your funeral and kick your ass. FOR REALS. Because although Victor might not have been right about Beyonce the chicken, he is right about this…it wouldn’t be better without you.

  529. You poor dear thing…I can sympathize…I have osteoarthritis & fibromyalgia. The past few days have sucked. The seat of the car hurts my back. It hurts when my husband hugs me. I can’t touch a whole lot of Vicodin. I have to eat valium to sleep. Hopefully I will perk up soon. Hope you get back to yourself soon as well.

  531. And here..to make you laugh, just because it helps-I just got off the phone with a man with a lovely Scottish accent. I was telling him about how we are planning to go to a Celtic festival this weekend. We ride a Harley. Hubby was thinking of wearing his kilt..I suggested he wear his chaps underneath go no insects would get anywhere they shouldn’t. I’m trying to see if I can talk him into that outfit, at least for just a photo!

  532. I like Victor’s comment, It might be easier, but it wouldn’t be better. Truer words were never spoken.

  537. My daughter was recently diagnosed with RA – you gave me a better understanding of what she goes through when the meds wear off. Thank-you

  538. I’m so sorry you get such terrible flares. I was diagnosed with RA 10 years ago when I was 31 and I understand your feelings of hopelessness when the pain is so bad. I am sad that my kids miss out on some things because they have a sick Mommy. I’d like to think it makes them more empathic, but really that’s just my son! The support and understanding of family and friends is so important, and it seems like you really have that. I hope your flare ends soon. Feel better.

  539. I understand so well what you are going through. I have chronic pain and I often have those thoughts about things being better and easier for my family if I just quit it all. Pain does horrible things to your brain. I also know that what Victor says is true. My family’s lives would be easier if I didn’t have my chronic pain or if I wasn’t around but it would be devestating to them to lose me. When I get to that place, I imagine the aftermath of it. I can’t imagine causeing them that much pain. So we keep going. I think we are stronger than others because we have to deal with the pain, not that we are weak because we have it. I love your craziness and if I knew you I would call you up right now and commiserate. As it is, I want you to know that I wrote the opening lines of Richard III on bananas the other day. You are an important part of the world, you make the world a bit brighter for many many readers. We all support you.

  540. I’m so sorry you have to go through this. There’s really nothing I can say to make it better. I hope it does get better for you, as quickly as possible. Hugs, kisses & margaritas-can’t hurt, right?

  541. This post made me cry very big weepy tears… not my usual reaction to your posts.

    Just last week my mom said something similar – she’s battling with cancer.

    I can’t imagine what it’s like to live with such pain and I’m sorry you have to but I must most sincerely agree with Victor on behalf of all those that care for persons with any kind of pain/illness… life would not be better without you in it.

    We’d be missing some sunshine.

  542. Hugs and feel better soon! I need you out shopping and blogging about it. There are many more big metal chickens and creepy little monkeys to be found and written about. Of course, if you throw in some towel shopping, we won’t mind reading that either. As soon as I get over my RA flair, I’ll be out there shopping with you in spirit!

    Wishing you pain free days ahead!

  543. You are awesome. I have never laughed so hard until I read your blog about the monkey. BEST EVER. I haven’t stopped. Like Lara said. You make the world better, and funnier, and so much easier to deal with, even when it totally sucks and is far from easy.
    And your parental advice is priceless… So never quit! (unless its smoking, then I wouldn’t advocate not quitting)

  544. I have the same thoughts when I have my unexplained (probably stress related hive break outs). Miserable itching, no idea when it will end, worried that that the more I worry about when it will end the longer it will last, drugs, emergency room, swelling face (I look like a Shrek, only bright red instead of green), the sight of me frightens my toddler (that part is really awesome). The itching is so terrible I am biting back screams (usually at 4am, when everything seems to be at its worst). I am going to book mark this for my next hive breakout. If you need a good laugh, I will be glad to send photos. I really do look like shrek.

  545. I shared this with my husband. I have a very badly damaged back (from an accident) and surgery is out of the question. (it would take multiple surgeries and years of rehab and such…so the surgeons want me to try pain management for the next year while they try to figure out what to do). The whole “this is my life…and it’s not going away” feeling is one I know well. My husband has stepped up with helping out, but still, that whole “I feel like a burden” thing is miserable. But my husband is so wonderful, I only wish I could purchase him his own giant chicken. Or a stuffed monkey. At least I’ve been inspired to keep my eyes open because somewhere out there, is the perfect “I love you honey for putting up with me” gift. Something with cooties.

  546. I’m very sorry you’re in so much pain. I’m on week 5 of crutches and a cast and being in constant pain. I know that this will eventually pass and I’ll get better (or I have severely fucked myself up and I won’t, but we’ll see), and barring any future accidents I won’t be here again, but oh is it hard. It is so hard to have to stay home and lay in bed knowing (and imagining) that everyone else is having such a good time, and all you can do is lay in bed and cry. No one should have to suffer pain like that, and I am happy you are feeling better and that you have such a wonderful husband to help you out. Where do I find a wonderful husband? I could really use one.

  547. I’ve had this feeling, many of them over the last few weeks.
    And then I come up out of the slump and tell myself that I can’t quit, because I have people around me who are depending on me to NOT quit.
    And I often feel like there is NO ONE I can tell this to. I sent my BFF a text one day last week and said I was depressed. And I told her that I felt like she was the ONLY one I could say it to, and not have her say ‘Get Over it’ or ‘It’s Not A Big deal’.

    Sorry to hijack. But I just wanted to say I’ve been there, and I understand. Sending you love and support and kickassness.

  548. Today was the first visit to your site – directed here to read about your fabulous 5-foot chicken. 🙂 So I started reading your more recent posts and came across this, on a day where my RA is being particularly pissy. I’ve been pretty well-managed for a few years now. Enbrel usually keeps mine at bay. No idea why today is rougher, but certainly I’m feeling better than you have been lately, and reading your post made me a little less whiney – I know it could be worse and I should appreciate that as bad as today is, it’s not as bad as it once was.

    I remember when I was first diagnosed, sleeping with my arms folded across my chest – like a vampire – because sleeping on my side made trying to get out of bed so much more painful. Making sure I peed before I left the office so I wouldn’t have to climb the stairs in my one-bedroom, one-bath apartment until it was time for bed and then taking the stairs backwards in the morning so my knees wouldn’t buckle under me. And however good things are today, I’ll never forget how crappy things were then, and my fears of feeling it all again.

    I hope you’re feeling much better. Flare-ups suck. 🙁 Take care.

  549. You make people laugh.

    You made *me* laugh when I was unemployed,
    sick, and too broke to buy food.
    I am grateful for you, Jennifer Lawson.

    RA is a bitch,
    and you are so much more than that shitty disease.
    Do whatever you need to get through this–
    I am praying that your pain will pass quickly.

    *love*

  550. Awesome post. Will be forwarding this on to a friend with Krohn’s disease… Feel better, Jenny, you’ve made me laugh out loud through all sorts of pain in life physical and otherwise…

  551. first, Victor is a keeper 🙂
    second, there are some amazing thoughts in this post.

    Living is more important than giving up.

    <3

  552. Perhaps I should start by saying that I am not a medical doctor. However I do have experience with RA. I’ve managed to stave off it’s ferociousness by not eating inflammatory foods. Especially dairy (cow’s milk items, goat milk products are ok if not eaten every day), beef and wheat. Followed this diet now for 4 years and it has been incredibly helpful. I have been gluten free for the most part for a year, and though I know that I should also give up sugar, I like to bake.

    Hope your RA flareups go away. Victor is a smart man.

  553. In the Army we used to say that pain lets us know we’re alive, but sometimes it makes you wish you weren’t. Sometimes I want to write about my pain (borne from fibromyalgia), about my traitorous body and shithole mind, but I keep it to myself because I don’t want people asking how I’m feeling all the damn time. I don’t want people to know that I’m fragile, that I’m weak, or that sometimes it hurts so bad I can’t keep in the tears. Worse yet, that sometimes the tears come even when the pain isn’t that bad. In fact, it took many years of marriage before I’d even let my husband take care of me, because I don’t want to be a burden. Luckily, he doesn’t get mad when I don’t leave the house for a week but still can’t do the dishes, or when he finally realizes at two in the morning that he’s going to bed without me again, or when we go six months without sex because I hurt too much to even try.
    To everyone else, “I’m fine”, “It’s nothing”, “It’s just a little ache”, even when I can’t breath from the pain. I have an MBA, but I’m quitting my job because I can’t think straight and keep making elementary school mistakes; between the fibro fog, the drugs, and the pain, I can’t function anymore, and that hurts worse than any pain. As you can see, I can’t even pump out a semi-intelligent comment.

    I understand your pain, and I understand that your brain seems like it’s out to get you. Thank you for sharing; you’re far braver than I’ll ever be. And I’m so grateful that you’re that brave, because you make my world better.

  554. I’ve only been recently following your blog so I didn’t know you had RA! It runs in my family and luckily none of my sisters or Mom have it (yet) but it is by far the scariest (read: terrifying) potential disease for me because I have several aunts and cousins who have it quite badly. Anyways, I’m sorry to hear about your suffering but thank you for sharing and hopefully raising some awareness about how terrible RA is!

  555. I don’t know you Jenny, but you bring laughter and joy and compassion to the world. Love you for that. Hope the dark days grow fewer and farther between. xoxo

  556. I’m so glad you blogged about this a friend of mine came across it and told me I had to read it. I’m fighting RA as well but my injections aren’t working. The only thing that does is Vicodin and it makes me so sick! But I’d rather be sick and constipated then have to feel the pain that RA gives. I feel like no one understands! My husband is like “I don’t want you to baby the RA!” he’s a Marie and he feels I should suck it up and move on. It takes every ounce of energy to get up and walk across the house from one end to the other to wake my son up for school then to get up and dress my 4 yr old for preK. It’s sad that I can’t zip or button her up and fixing her hair is out of the question. It frustrates me because I can’t do things I did two yrs ago. I have been fighting a flare for a year and a half. I have had NO relief. Plaquinil doesn’t work Cimzia is not working and Prednisone Vicodin and Naproxyn are the only things that give me relief for a few hours in a day. Sleep??? What the heck is that?? It makes me so mad that I don’t get sleep but I’m expected to keep up with laundry the house work and everything else. I can’t!! I try to do it but it extremely painful to stand for so long. I’m so glad you wrote this so people like me know we aren’t alone and we know there is hope. (((hugs))))

  557. Thank you for sharing…our darkest parts are connected…and that somehow makes them lighter. Hugs and love.

  558. Bless your heart, thank you for sharing it all with us. I hope and pray you feel better.
    My 15 year old, who isn’t really supposed to read your blog but does, has chronic Lyme and really related to your post. So, this was one I was glad she read, she didn’t feel so alone in her misery.
    Oh and BTW, that banana writing one is never going to get old around here. 🙂

  559. I’m right there with you. RA sucks. It should be shot and killed like the evil beast it is. Right now I’m faced with the horrid decision of having to stop breastfeeding my 8 month old (I’m just not ready to yet) to get on scarier drugs than I am already on that might just kill me (or make me feel better). Thank you for writing this post. I hate to say it, but it is comforting to know that there are others who feel EXACTLY (or perhaps, understand?) how I feel. Hugs.

  560. After the absolutely shite day I’ve had today I was being all mopey-emo, but decided to read anyhow. I’m glad I did. Your Victor is a very patient man, we’ve all seen evidence of that, but his statement to you about it being easier, but not better… I needed that at this very moment. Tell Victor thanks. 🙂

  562. Jenny – I’m a little late with this comment about your RA flare, but didn’t it happen after (or maybe during) your Alaska trip? If so, it “might” be the result of traveling through numerous isobars on your trip. Isobars…you know, the different regions of barometric pressure. I’ve found that if I travel through areas with widely varying pressure, my joints give me fits (hell, my whole body hurts!). With all the weather differences between Alaska and where you live, I’d imagine you experienced the gamut of pressure from high to low. Just a thought….

  563. Wow! I didn’t know other people went through this too. Thank you for sharing this!!

  565. I can relate to pretty much all of this — too much of it — but definitely including the bit at the end where you explain why you wrote it. That’s a big part of how I live my life….and how I keep on living it.

  566. We talk about your blog a lot at work and you have a lot of fans. One of the girls told me that you have RA and I looked back and found this post. Anyone that has a chronic illness has felt the same things that you voiced in this post, thank you for saying it out loud so we don’t feel alone. There is nothing worse than feeling like you don’t have control over your body. Your body keeping you from doing the things you want to do. I don’t know how long you’ve struggled but I hope that you find the right combination of meds soon.

    I was diagnosed with RA when I was 19. One month prior I started dating the love of my life. He stood by my side as we figured out all that this crazy disease means/has to offer and committed to spending the rest of his life with me. I have a lot of friends and family that don’t “get it” but there are others that are so supportive. My attitude is “it’s never going away so I’m going to learn to live with it” or “it could be so much worse”. Because of this I’ve had countless people in my life tell me that they forget I have it, which I take as a compliment. However, it’s a hard thing to have because it’s an invisible handicap. People think you’re faking it because one day you’re fine and they next you’re not. They don’t realize that the day you were “fine” you weren’t fine. You were a 7 on the pain scale. I try to remind myself of the blessings in my life and just put one foot in front of the other. But sometimes you have to stop and listen to the bad thoughts. It’s part of the cycle. Personally I think it’s harder for those that love us to watch us go through it. Because there’s nothing they can do. The first time my baby boy was really sick I had a glimpse of what it must be like for my husband when I have a bad flare.

    I wish you more good days than bad days. But either way please write about your experience. because it’s obvious by all the comments that it strikes a chord.

    Your RA sister,
    Natalie

  567. My dad was diagnosed with RA and Ankylosing Spondilitis in 1959. By 1960 or 1961, they told him to find a position he liked, because he was pretty much going to be in that position the rest of his life. When my parents got engaged in 1961, my father asked my mother, “You know that I might only have a few good years?” My mother said, “I’ll take the few good years, and we’ll worry about what comes next later.” My dad was with her (and us) for another 49 years, and he never did end up in a wheelchair, or bed-ridden. Victor didn’t marry your disease, and your family and friends do not love your disease. They all love you. It’s that simple.

  568. I understand. I have PCOS, and the auto-immune issues are the worst. Seriously. But I’m in awe of you, for many reasons. You are honest and forward and have the energy to make people laugh on the daily. That’s pretty amazing.

  569. I just recently found your blog and was amazed by how funny you are. This post made me feel closer to you, as if you could possibly actually be something genetically linked to human. <3 You are too funny.

  570. thank you.
    hugs
    I have fibromyalgia, & was doing fairly well controlling it, until a car wreck last summer,
    I’ve been pretty much having my worst flare ever for about a year now,
    1-3 bad days per week. the ER isn’t any use, they just act like I’m a frequent flier, though my regular doctor is pretty awesome.

    hang in there, take care of yourself.

  572. Thank you. It makes a huge difference to me to know that wonderful, successful women like you are going through the same things. You are an inspiration.

  573. I am really sorry that you suffer from an autoimmune disease. It sounds terrible.

    I also have an autoimmune disease. It’s type one diabetes, and it means that I struggle every day to keep myself alive by injecting insulin and testing my blood sugar. I will struggle like this for the rest of my life, which will statistically be shortened by my autoimmune disease. I am not overweight, and I did not eat too much sugar and give myself diabetes. I’m sure you will understand how frustrating it can be to have a misunderstood autoimmune disease, as people often mistake arthritis with rheumatoid arthritis, and can be confused about the two.

    I want to remind you that by not differentiating types of diabetes in you limerick post, and by making a reference to sugar “causing” diabetes, you are perpetuating stereotypes and a “blame the victim” mentality that so many of us with autoimmune type one diabetes must struggle against every single day. I hope you’ll consider whether this is something you want to do. If it is, go for it. If you simply didn’t think, please, please, consider carefully how you choose to imply judgement of people with serious, heartbreaking illnesses.

  574. I’m having a bad RA day right now…I searched your posts because I know you suffer from it, too. It helps me know that there are people out there who understand. I do feel like such a burden sometimes and wonder if this will ever get better. I’ll get through it somehow, and I wish you all the best in your battles with this crappy condition.

  575. Thank you so much for posting this. I’ve been reading your posts for a while and I love that you show that someone with anxiety and depression can be funny- I suffer from the same problems. Today I was diagnosed with RA and I terrified myself googling it- until I found this post. I’m at once reassured and inspired -thank you so much and I hope you are well now:) Sarah

  576. Jenny, I can’t phrase what I want to say in any way other than overly cheesy and emotional. Well, overly cheesy and emotional’s just what you’re gonna have to get. Anyway, I’m so sorry that you have this horrible shit to go through, and I hope all’s ok at the minute (I realise I’m reading this post very late. I started university and haven’t had time to read anything other than Dickens and emails saying PAY YOUR FEES YOU’RE SO LATE AT PAYING YOUR FEES WHERE ARE YOUR FEES GODDAMMIT for the past month or so). I also hope you realise just how fantastic you are, and how fantastic you make the lives of everyone you touch (in a figurative sense, not like just prodding a stranger on the street and they win the lottery). This blog has had me crying with laughter ever since I discovered it, even through the worst times, and I’ll never be able to thank you enough for what you’ve done for me. I hope you know just how many people you’ve helped and how many lives you’ve improved by being your lovely, insane, hilarious self. And I hope when things are bad, you can try and think about that, and realise how motherforgetting incredibly lucky your friends, family and readers are to have you in their lives. And your cats. I mean, Ferris Mewler. There is no cat in the world with a better name.

    Sorry, that was really overwhelmingly soppy. What can I say, I’m an emotional kinda gal. Lots and lots of love xxxx

  578. Jenny,
    I didn’t get a chance to comment on this back when you posted it, but I did want to say that I wish you well as you continue to tangle with RA. I myself wrestle with frequent migraines in which the only solution is to move (long story, but Chicago rains cause problems whereas rains south of the 35th parallel don’t.) The one med that worked got discontinued, so I’m stuck doing personal research to find alternatives that don’t fry one’s liver over time. There have been a couple of times where the hopelessness of this condition made things feel like there was no escape short of lopping my head clean off.

    I am happy to report that I did not in fact lop my head off. When times feel like utter crap, please know this – your blog has brought me and the horde of delighted readers joy. Also, I doubt this will help but a friend has had RA symptoms and cut out gluten only to find that his mobility and pain level improved a bit. Something to consider if someone hasn’t brought it up (I’m guessing someone has – maybe even me via Twitter when this was posted). Take care and be kind to yourself – after all, think of all of the weird taxidermy you need to rescue.

  579. You could not have said it any better! Thank you to Victor for the great quote. I will remind myself of this any time I’m feeling at my lowest!

  580. I have Palindromic Rheumatism. This blog describes what I’ve been unable to to my friends and family. Thank you.

  581. Your description of your brain trying to kill you is very apt. I’d go for a depression med with that tagline. Glad you can hold onto the feeling that things will get better. It’s tricky to do that when you’re depressed.

  582. Thank you for your honesty. This is a battle I’ve become all too familiar with, as my 5-year old battles leukemia. Sometimes it’s a weekly fight, sometimes daily, sometimes hourly … but even I come out the other side, and know that this too shall pass. It truly helps to know others go through the same things, and can admit it. Don’t be sorry you wrote this post. Your readers aren’t.
    We’re grateful.

  583. Reading this just changed my life.
    I too have RA. I am currently in a terrible flare in my hands & am in a dark place. BUT…reading your post reminded me that this is not forever. It will fade. and that I should not listen to my brain! I luv that part the most!
    Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

  584. For the last two months I’ve had debilitating flareups of some sort of “mystery arthritis” which at times was so bad I alternately couldn’t walk or even open a ziploc bag.

    I searched through your archives to remember what you’d written about arthritis. Jeeminy Christmas, Jenny, I had compassion for your pain before, but now that I’ve had a taste of it, I really admire you for writing this post and fighting the good fight.

    Anyway, now I don’t feel so alone, and that was because of you and your readers. Thanks.

  585. I understand… The exhaustion is overwhelming at times. I am just beginning this journey, or at least the diagnosed part of it with treatment so it is still pretty raw for me and quite an emotional as well as physical ride. Diagnosed 3 years ago, first flare up 3 months ago. Methotrexate isn’t working and Prednisone is awful. My boyfriend doesn’t want me to take either of them but he has no idea what this is like. Yesterday I said that if they told me to drink a mixture of dog urine and turpentine 4 times a day for the rest of my life to control this, I would do it… It is easy to beat yourself up for your emotions when little things like stepping on the vacuum cleaner cord hurts to the point that it drops you to your knees. But I try to remember that there really are things in life that I have done that deserve my self reflection and the occasional self recrimination. Being sick isn’t one of them.

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